ArcBest (ARCB) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ARKANSAS BEST CORP /DE/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000894405	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$558,788,318
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	25,868,155	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$105,354	$90,702
Short-term investments	35,906	29,054
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	1,902	9,658
Accounts receivable, less allowances (2013 – $4,533; 2012 – $5,249)	202,540	180,631
Other accounts receivable, less allowances (2013 – $1,422; 2012 – $1,334)	7,272	6,539
Prepaid expenses	19,016	17,355
Deferred income taxes	37,482	39,245
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	2,061	5,681
Other	6,952	7,185
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	418,485	386,050
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	'	'
Land and structures	245,805	243,699
Revenue equipment	589,902	589,729
Service, office, and other equipment	124,303	119,456
Software	110,998	103,164
Leasehold improvements	23,582	23,272
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	1,094,590	1,079,320
Less allowances for depreciation and amortization	700,193	635,292
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	394,397	444,028
GOODWILL	76,448	73,189
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net	75,387	79,561
OTHER ASSETS	52,609	51,634
TOTAL ASSETS	1,017,326	1,034,462
CURRENT LIABILITIES	'	'
Bank overdraft and drafts payable	13,609	13,645
Accounts payable	89,091	84,292
Income taxes payable	1,782	59
Accrued expenses	173,622	158,668
Current portion of long-term debt	31,513	43,044
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	309,617	299,708
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion	81,332	112,941
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT LIABILITIES	26,847	104,673
OTHER LIABILITIES	15,041	12,832
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	64,028	45,309
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 70,000,000 shares; issued 2013: 27,507,241 shares; 2012: 27,296,285 shares	275	273
Additional paid-in capital	296,133	289,711
Retained earnings	296,735	284,157
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,677,932 shares	-57,770	-57,770
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-14,912	-57,372
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	520,461	458,999
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$1,017,326	$1,034,462

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$4,533	$5,249
Other accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars)	$1,422	$1,334
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	27,507,241	27,296,285
Treasury stock, at cost, shares	1,677,932	1,677,932

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Statement [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

OPERATING REVENUES

$578,549

$623,414

$576,899

$520,687

$537,042

$577,546

$510,543

$440,867

'

'

'

'

$2,299,549

$2,065,999

$1,907,609

OPERATING EXPENSES

565,047

602,912

568,482

544,037

548,058

565,313

503,342

463,854

'

'

'

'

2,280,479

2,080,567

1,897,850

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

13,502

20,502

8,417

-23,350

-11,016

12,233

7,201

-22,987

'

'

'

'

19,070

-14,568

9,759

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest and dividend income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

681

808

1,069

Interest expense and other related financing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,183

-5,273

-3,953

Other, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,893

2,041

2,618

TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

393

502

-552

47

-1,300

-457

-1,117

451

'

'

'

'

391

-2,424

-266

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,461

-16,992

9,493

Income tax provision (benefit)

3,549

7,022

2,987

-9,908

-4,387

5,258

-5,757

-4,374

'

'

'

'

3,650

-9,260

3,160

NET INCOME (LOSS)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,811

-7,732

6,333

LESS: NONCONTROLLING INTEREST IN NET INCOME OF SUBSIDIARY

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

174

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION

$10,346

$13,982

$4,878

($13,395)

($7,929)

$6,518

$11,841

($18,162)

'

'

'

'

$15,811

($7,732)

$6,159

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic (in dollars per share)

$0.38

$0.52

$0.18

($0.52)

($0.31)

$0.24

$0.44

($0.71)

'

'

'

'

$0.59

[1]

($0.31)

[1]

$0.23

[1]

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.38

$0.52

$0.18

($0.52)

($0.31)

$0.24

$0.44

($0.71)

'

'

'

'

$0.59

[1]

($0.31)

[1]

$0.23

[1]

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basic (in shares)

25,785,485

25,736,810

25,694,327

25,638,333

25,629,309

25,613,315

25,544,455

25,455,607

'

'

'

'

25,714,205

25,564,752

25,403,073

Diluted (in shares)

25,793,366

25,736,810

25,694,327

25,638,333

25,629,309

25,613,315

25,544,455

25,455,607

'

'

'

'

25,714,205

25,564,752

25,403,073

CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share)

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.12

$0.12

$0.12

[1]

The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share. See Note M.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$15,811	($7,732)	$6,333
LESS: NONCONTROLLING INTEREST IN NET INCOME OF SUBSIDIARY	0	0	174
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION	15,811	-7,732	6,159
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:	'	'	'
Net gain from curtailment, net of tax of: (2013 – $11,384)	17,878	0	0
Net actuarial gain (loss), net of tax of: (2013 – $11,892; 2012 – $3,709; 2011 – $10,804)	18,683	-5,830	-27,178
Pension settlement expense, net of tax of: (2013 – $821; 2011 – $438)	1,290	0	687
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax of: (2013 – $3,014; 2012 – $4,354; 2011 – $2,789)	'	'	'
Net actuarial loss	4,847	6,957	4,497
Prior service credit	-116	-116	-115
Foreign currency translation and other:	'	'	'
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax of: (2013 – $79; 2012 – $10; 2011 – $69)	-122	19	-108
Other, net of tax of: (2011 – $70)	0	0	-132
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	42,460	1,030	-22,349
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION	$58,271	($6,702)	($16,190)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gain from curtailment, tax	$11,384	$0	$0
Net actuarial gain (loss), tax	11,892	-3,709	-10,804
Pension settlement expense, tax	821	0	438
Amortization of net periodic benefit costs, tax	3,014	4,354	2,789
Change in foreign currency translation, tax	-79	10	-69
Other, tax	$0	$0	($70)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	$479,744	$269	$281,169	$292,129	($57,770)	($36,053)
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	26,935	'	'	1,678	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) (excluding noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary of $174 for the year ended 2011)	6,159	'	'	6,159	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-22,349	'	'	'	'	-22,349
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	763	2	761	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	165	'	'	'	'
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans and other	-612	'	-612	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	6,450	'	6,450	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	-1,360	'	-1,360	'	'	'
Dividends declared on common stock	-3,180	'	'	-3,180	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	465,615	271	286,408	295,108	-57,770	-58,402
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	27,100	'	'	1,678	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) (excluding noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary of $174 for the year ended 2011)	-7,732	'	'	-7,732	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,030	'	'	'	'	1,030
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	0	2	-2	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	196	'	'	'	'
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans and other	-2,763	'	-2,763	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	6,068	'	6,068	'	'	'
Dividends declared on common stock	-3,219	'	'	-3,219	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	458,999	273	289,711	284,157	-57,770	-57,372
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	27,296	'	'	1,678	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) (excluding noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary of $174 for the year ended 2011)	15,811	'	'	15,811	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	42,460	'	'	'	'	42,460
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	2,886	2	2,884	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans (in shares)	'	211	'	'	'	'
Tax effect of share-based compensation plans and other	-1,956	'	-1,956	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	5,494	'	5,494	'	'	'
Dividends declared on common stock	-3,233	'	'	-3,233	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$520,461	$275	$296,133	$296,735	($57,770)	($14,912)
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	27,507	'	'	1,678	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary	$0	$0	$174

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$15,811	($7,732)	$6,333
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	84,215	85,493	73,742
Amortization of intangibles	4,174	2,261	0
Pension settlement expense	2,111	0	1,125
Share-based compensation expense	5,494	6,068	6,450
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	2,065	1,524	2,394
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)	-10,367	-10,359	3,056
Gain on sale of property and equipment	-153	-735	-2,360
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables	-24,200	508	-6,067
Prepaid expenses	-1,670	305	-1,105
Other assets	-1,015	961	-635
Income taxes	8,468	2,630	-776
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities	8,571	3,610	18,695
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	93,504	84,534	100,852
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net of financings	-26,369	-37,278	-53,227
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,194	6,397	7,062
Purchases of short-term investments	-39,605	-55,858	-59,718
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	32,718	60,730	64,995
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired	-4,146	-180,039	0
Capitalization of internally developed software and other	-7,668	-7,218	-5,295
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-42,876	-213,266	-46,183
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Borrowings under credit facilities	0	100,000	0
Payments on long-term debt	-43,176	-53,000	-16,056
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	0	0	-4,084
Net change in bank overdraft and other	-37	-7,190	7,811
Net change in restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments	7,756	43,035	-1,032
Deferred financing costs	-71	-1,487	-174
Payment of common stock dividends	-3,233	-3,219	-3,180
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	2,785	0	763
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-35,976	78,139	-15,952
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	14,652	-50,593	38,717
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	90,702	141,295	102,578
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	105,354	90,702	141,295
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'	'
Accruals for equipment received	324	301	338
Equipment financed under notes payable and capital leases	$36	$37,973	$30,410

ORGANIZATION_AND_DESCRIPTION_O

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	'
	ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
	Organization and Description of Business
	Arkansas Best Corporation (the “Company”), the parent holding company, is a freight transportation services and integrated logistics solutions provider. The Company’s principal operations are conducted through its Freight Transportation segment, which consists of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries of the Company (collectively “ABF Freight”). The Company’s other reportable operating segments are Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services, Domestic & Global Transportation Management, Emergency & Preventative Maintenance, and Household Goods Moving Services (see Note N).
	ABF Freight represented 75% of the Company’s annual revenues before other revenues and intercompany eliminations for 2013. As of December 2013, approximately 76% of ABF Freight’s employees were covered under a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “IBT”). On June 27, 2013, a new collective bargaining agreement, the ABF National Master Freight Agreement (the “ABF NMFA”), was ratified by a majority of ABF Freight’s IBT member employees who chose to vote. Following resolution of certain supplements to the ABF NMFA which were not approved at the time the collective bargaining agreement was ratified, the IBT implemented the ABF NMFA on November 3, 2013. The ABF NMFA will remain in effect through March 31, 2018. The primary changes to the labor agreement under the ABF NMFA include a 7% wage rate reduction upon the November 3, 2013 implementation date, followed by wage rate increases of 2% on July 1 in each of the next three years and a 2.5% increase on July 1, 2017; a one‑week reduction in annual compensated vacation effective for employee anniversary dates on or after April 1, 2013; the option to expand the use of purchased transportation; and increased flexibility in labor work rules. Not all of the contract changes were effective immediately upon implementation and, therefore, expected net cost reductions will be realized over time. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained for the benefit of ABF Freight’s employees who are members of the IBT for which the rate increases were applied retroactively to August 1, 2013. The estimated net effect of the November 3 wage rate reduction and the August 1 benefit rate increase was an initial reduction of approximately 4% to the combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under the ABF NMFA. For subsequent years through the end of the agreement in 2018, the combined contractual wage and benefit contribution rate is estimated to increase approximately 2.5% to 3.0% on a compounded annual basis.
	On June 15, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Panther Expedited Services, Inc. (“Panther”), which is reported as the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment (see Note N). See Note D for further discussion of the Panther acquisition.
	The Company acquired a 75% equity interest in Albert Companies, Inc. in the second quarter of 2009 and acquired the remaining 25% equity interest in the third quarter of 2011. Albert Companies, Inc. is included in the Household Goods Moving Services segment. The noncontrolling interest in net income of the subsidiary is presented on a separate line in the consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statements of comprehensive income for 2011 through the date of the acquisition of the remaining 25% equity interest.
	Financial Statement Presentation
	Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	Segment Information: The Company uses the “management approach” for determining its reportable segment information. The management approach is based on the way management organizes the reportable segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance.
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES

ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short‑Term Investments: Short‑term investments that have a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Variable rate demand notes are classified as cash equivalents, as the investments may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer. Short‑term investments consist of FDIC‑insured certificates of deposit with original maturities ranging from ninety‑one days to one year. Interest and dividends related to cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments are included in interest and dividend income.
	Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short‑Term Investments: Cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments that are pledged as collateral, primarily for the Company’s outstanding letters of credit, are classified as restricted. The Company’s letters of credit are primarily issued in support of certain workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self‑insured. The restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments are classified consistent with the classification of the liabilities to which they relate and in accordance with the duration of the letters of credit.
	Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments consisted of cash deposits at December 31, 2013 and cash deposits and certificates of deposit at December 31, 2012. Changes in the amount of restricted funds are reflected as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Concentration of Credit Risk: The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to the portion of its unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments which is not federally insured, as further discussed in Note C.
	The Company’s services are provided primarily to customers throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada. On a consolidated basis, the Company had no single customer representing more than 5% of its revenues in 2013 and 2012 or more than 5% of its accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. Historically, credit losses have been within management’s expectations.
	Allowances: The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts, revenue adjustments, and deferred tax assets. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts represents an estimate of potential accounts receivable write‑offs associated with recognized revenue based on historical trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company writes off accounts receivable when accounts are turned over to a collection agency or when determined to be uncollectible. Receivables written off are charged against the allowance. The Company’s allowance for revenue adjustments represents an estimate of potential adjustments associated with recognized revenue based upon historical trends and current information regarding trends and business changes. The Company’s valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the benefits of its deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected future taxable income, or tax‑planning strategies.
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Including Repairs and Maintenance: The Company utilizes tractors and trailers in its Freight Transportation operations. Tractors and trailers are commonly referred to as “revenue equipment” in the transportation business. Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. For financial reporting purposes, property, plant and equipment is depreciated principally by the straight‑line method, using the following lives: structures – primarily 15 to 20 years; revenue equipment – 3 to 12 years; and other equipment – 2 to 15 years. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or cost recovery methods are used. Gains and losses on asset sales are reflected in the year of disposal. Exchanges of nonmonetary assets that have commercial substance are measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a part of the cost of such equipment, with replacement tires being expensed when placed in service. Repair and maintenance costs associated with property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred if the costs do not extend the useful life of the asset. If such costs do extend the useful life of the asset, the costs are capitalized and depreciated over the appropriate remaining useful life.
	Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, Including Web Site Development Costs: The Company capitalizes the costs of software acquired from third parties and qualifying internal computer software costs incurred during the “application development stage.” For financial reporting purposes, capitalized software costs are amortized by the straight‑line method generally over 2 to 3 years with some applications, including the acquired software of Panther, having longer lives (up to 7 years) as applicable. The amount of costs capitalized within any period is dependent on the nature of software development activities and projects in each period.
	Impairment Assessment of Long‑Lived Assets: The Company reviews its long‑lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and capitalized software, which are held and used in its operations, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If such an event or change in circumstances is present, the Company will estimate the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset, the Company will recognize an impairment loss. The Company records impairment losses in operating income or loss.
	Assets to be disposed of are reclassified as assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Assets held for sale primarily represent ABF Freight’s nonoperating properties, older revenue equipment, and other equipment. Adjustments to write down assets to fair value less the amount of costs to sell are reported in operating income or loss. Assets held for sale are expected to be disposed of by selling the assets within the next 12 months. Gains and losses on property and equipment are reported in operating income or loss. Assets held for sale, which consisted primarily of older revenue equipment, of $0.4 million and $1.0 million are reported within other noncurrent assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, management was not aware of any events or circumstances indicating the Company’s long‑lived assets would not be recoverable.
	Asset Retirement Obligations: The Company records estimated liabilities for the cost to remove underground storage tanks, dispose of tires, and return leased real property to its original condition at the end of a lease term. The liabilities are discounted using the Company’s credit adjusted risk‑free rate. Revisions to these liabilities for such costs may occur due to changes in the estimates for fuel tank removal costs, tire disposal fees, and real property lease restoration costs; changes in estimates of the timing of incurring asset retirement costs; or changes in regulations or agreements affecting these obligations. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s estimated asset retirement obligations totaled $2.5 million.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company’s measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an estimate of the current fair values of all assets and liabilities is made to determine the amount of implied goodwill and, consequently, the amount of any goodwill impairment.
	Indefinite‑lived intangible assets are also not amortized but rather are evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Fair values are determined based on a discounted cash flow model, similar to the goodwill analysis.
	The Company’s annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1.
	The Company amortizes finite‑lived intangible assets over their respective estimated useful lives. Finite‑lived intangible assets are also evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In reviewing finite‑lived intangible assets for impairment, the carrying amount of the asset is compared to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If such cash flows are not sufficient to support the recorded value, an impairment loss to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value shall be recognized in operating income or loss.
	Income Taxes: Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the liability method, which takes into account the differences between the tax basis of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts recognized for income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes relate principally to asset and liability basis differences resulting from the timing of the depreciation and cost recovery deductions and to temporary differences in the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The Company classifies interest and penalty amounts related to income tax matters as interest expense and operating expenses, respectively.
	Management applies considerable judgment in determining the consolidated income tax provision, including valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the benefits of deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected future taxable income, or tax‑planning strategies. Uncertain tax positions are then measured to determine the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements. The income tax provision and valuation allowances are complicated by complex and frequently changing rules administered in multiple jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, state, and foreign governments.
	Claims Liabilities: The Company is self‑insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation, certain third‑party casualty claims, and cargo loss and damage claims. Amounts in excess of the self‑insured limits are fully insured to levels which management considers appropriate for the Company’s operations. The Company’s claims liabilities have not been discounted.
	Liabilities for self‑insured workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims are based on the case reserve amounts plus an estimate of loss development and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims, which is developed from an independent actuarial analysis. The process of determining reserve requirements utilizes historical trends and involves an evaluation of claim frequency and severity, claims management, and other factors. Case reserves established in prior years are evaluated as loss experience develops and new information becomes available. Adjustments to previously estimated reserves are reflected in financial results in the periods in which they are made. Aggregate reserves represent an estimate of the costs of claims incurred, and it is possible that the ultimate liability may differ significantly from such estimates.
	The Company is entitled to recover, from insurance carriers, amounts which have been previously paid by the Company for claims above the self‑insurance retention level. These amounts are included in other accounts receivable, net of allowances for potentially unrecoverable amounts. The Company’s excess insurers for workers’ compensation claims above the self‑insured retention level for the 1993 through 2001 policy years are insolvent. For claims that are related to these excess insurers and that are not accepted by state guaranty funds, the Company has recorded an allowance for uncollectible receivables and additional liabilities for excess claims based upon available financial information. Receivables, net of related allowances, totaled $1.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 for workers’ compensation excess claims paid by the Company but insured by these excess insurers. Liabilities for workers’ compensation excess claims insured by, but not expected to be covered by, these excess insurers totaled $2.7 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were reported within accrued expenses.
	The Company develops an estimate of self‑insured cargo loss and damage claims liabilities based on historical trends and certain event‑specific information.
	Insurance‑Related Assessments: Liabilities for state guaranty fund assessments and other insurance‑related assessments totaled $1.0 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Management has estimated the amounts incurred using the best available information regarding premiums and guaranty assessments by state. These amounts are expected to be paid within a period not to exceed one year. The liabilities recorded have not been discounted.
	Long‑Term Debt: Long‑term debt consisted of a secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) outstanding under the Company’s credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), notes payable, and capital lease obligations, as further described in Note H.
	Leases: The Company leases, under capital and operating lease arrangements, certain facilities, revenue equipment, and certain other equipment used primarily in ABF Freight’s terminal operations. Certain of these leases contain fluctuating or escalating payments. The related rent expense is recorded on a straight‑line basis over the lease term. The cumulative excess of rent expense over rent payments is accounted for as a deferred lease obligation. For financial reporting purposes, leasehold improvements associated with assets utilized under capital or operating leases are amortized by the straight‑line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the asset’s useful life. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Obligations under the capital lease arrangements are included in long‑term debt, net of the current portion due, which is classified in current liabilities.
	Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans: The Company recognizes the funded status (the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation) of its nonunion defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plan (“SBP”), and postretirement health benefit plan in the balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status, net of tax, in the year in which they occur as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss are subsequently expensed as components of net periodic benefit cost by amortizing unrecognized net actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and amortizing unrecognized prior service credits over the remaining years of service until full eligibility of the active participants at the time of the plan amendment. A corridor approach is not used for determining the amounts of net actuarial losses to be amortized.
	The expense and liability related to the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plan are measured based upon a number of assumptions and using the services of a third‑party actuary. Assumptions are made regarding expected retirement age, mortality, employee turnover, and future increases in health care costs. The assumptions with the greatest impact on the Company’s expense are the discount rate used to discount the plans’ obligations and, for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the expected return on plan assets and, prior to the June 30, 2013 curtailment of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the assumed compensation cost increase. The discount rate is determined by matching projected cash distributions with appropriate high‑quality corporate bond yields in a yield curve analysis. The Company establishes the expected long‑term rate of return on plan assets by considering the historical returns for the plan’s current investment mix and the plan investment advisor’s range of expected returns for the plan’s current investment mix. Prior to the June 30, 2013 curtailment of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the Company established the assumed rate of compensation increase at the measurement date by considering historical changes in compensation combined with an estimate of compensation rates for the subsequent two years.
	The assumptions used directly impact the net periodic benefit cost for a particular year. An actuarial gain or loss results if actual results vary from the assumptions. Actuarial gains and losses are not included in net periodic benefit cost in the period when they arise but are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income or loss and subsequently amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
	The Company uses December 31 as the measurement date for its nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plan. Plan obligations are also remeasured upon curtailment and upon settlement.
	The Company records quarterly pension settlement expense related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan when qualifying distributions determined to be settlements are expected to exceed the estimated total annual service and interest cost of the plan. Benefit distributions under the SBP individually exceed the annual interest cost of the plan, and the Company records the related settlement expense when the amount of the benefit to be distributed is fixed, which is generally upon an employee’s termination of employment. Pension settlement expense for the nonunion defined benefit pension and SBP plans is presented in Note J.
	Revenue Recognition: Freight Transportation revenue is recognized based on relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Freight Transportation’s bill‑by‑bill analysis is used to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the appropriate reporting period. Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services and Domestic & Global Transportation Management revenue is recognized based on the delivery of the shipment. Service fee revenue for the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment is recognized upon occurrence of the service event. Repair revenue and expenses for the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment are recognized at the completion of the service by third‑party vendors. Household Goods Moving Services revenue is recognized upon completion of the shipment, which is defined as delivery to the storage destination or to the customer‑designated location.
	Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third‑party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain shipments and services where the Company utilizes a third‑party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of services but remains the primary obligor and assumes collection and credit risks.
	Comprehensive Income or Loss: Other comprehensive income or loss refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are included in comprehensive income or loss but excluded from net income or loss. The Company reports the components of other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, by their nature and discloses the tax effect allocated to each component in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The accumulated balance of other comprehensive income or loss is displayed separately in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and the components of the balance are reported in Note K. The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, and the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are disclosed, by component, in Note K.
	Earnings Per Share: The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share. The calculation is based on the weighted‑average number of common shares (basic earnings per share) or common equivalent shares outstanding (diluted earnings per share) during the applicable period, and also considers the effect of participating securities such as share‑based compensation awards which are paid dividends during the vesting period. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is excluded from basic earnings per common share and included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share.
	Share‑Based Compensation: The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based upon the closing market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock awards generally vest at the end of a five‑year period following the date of grant, except for certain awards granted to non‑employee directors that typically vest at the end of a three‑year period, subject to accelerated vesting due to death, disability, retirement, or change‑in‑control provisions. When restricted stock awards become vested, the Company issues new shares which are subsequently distributed. Dividends or dividend equivalents are paid on all restricted stock units during the vesting period. The Company recognizes the income tax benefits of dividends on share‑based payment awards as an increase in paid‑in capital.
	Share‑based awards are amortized to compensation expense on a straight‑line basis over the three‑year or five‑year vesting period or the period to which the recipient first becomes eligible for retirement, whichever is shorter, with vesting accelerated upon death or disability. Compensation expense reflects an estimate of shares expected to be forfeited over the service period. Estimated forfeitures, which are based on historical experience, are adjusted to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from these estimates.
	The Company has not granted stock options since January 2004. Stock options generally vest in equal amounts over a five‑year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated based on a Black‑Scholes‑Merton option pricing model that utilizes several assumptions, including expected volatility, weighted‑average life, and a risk‑free interest rate. Expected volatilities are estimated using the historical volatility of the Company’s stock, based upon the expected term of the option. The expected term of the option is derived from historical data and represents the period of time that options are estimated to be outstanding. The risk‑free interest rate for periods within the estimated life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury Strip rate in effect at the time of the grant.
	Fair Value Measurements: The Company discloses the fair value measurements of its financial assets and liabilities. Fair value measurements for investments held in trust for the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan are also disclosed. Fair value measurements are disclosed in accordance with the following hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs of market data and market assumptions used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable:
	•	Level 1 –	Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2 –	Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Level 3 –	Unobservable inputs (Company’s market assumptions) that are significant to the valuation model.
	Environmental Matters: The Company expenses environmental expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures which extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites. The estimated liability is not reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers or other third parties.
	Exit or Disposal Activities: The Company recognizes liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when the liability is incurred.
	Variable Interest Entities: The Company has no investments in or known contractual arrangements with variable interest entities.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements: Management believes that there is no new accounting guidance adopted but not yet effective that is relevant to the financial statements. However, there are new proposals under development by the standard setting bodies which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on our financial statements, including the recognition of revenue and accounting for leases.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_FAIR

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Financial Instruments
	The following table presents the components of cash and cash equivalents, short‑term investments, and restricted funds:
		December 31		December 31
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash deposits(1)	$	63,547	$	48,293
	Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)	29,706		29,807
	Money market funds(3)	12,101		12,602
		$	105,354	$	90,702
	Short‑term investments
	Certificates of deposit(1)	$	35,906	$	29,054
	Restricted cash equivalents and short‑term investments(4)
	Cash deposits(1)	$	1,902	$	5,901
	Certificates of deposit(1)	—		3,757
		$	1,902	$	9,658
	-1	Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
	-2	Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.
	-3	Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets measured at fair value within this Note).
	-4	Amounts restricted for use are subject to change based on the requirements of the Company’s collateralized facilities (see Note H).
	The Company’s long‑term investment financial instruments are presented in the table of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value within this note.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments
	The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to its cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments. The Company reduces credit risk by maintaining its cash deposits primarily in FDIC‑insured accounts and placing its unrestricted short‑term investments primarily in FDIC‑insured certificates of deposit with varying original maturities of ninety‑one days to one year. However, certain cash deposits and certificates of deposit may exceed federally insured limits. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, cash, cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit totaling $49.4 million and $53.8 million, respectively, were not FDIC insured.
	Fair Value Disclosure of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan and notes payable debt obligations (see Note H) approximate the amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as presented in the following table:
		December 31				December 31
		2013				2012
		(in thousands)
		Carrying Value		Fair		Carrying		Fair
				Value		Value		Value
	Term Loan(1)	$	83,750	$	83,750	$	95,000	$	95,000
	Notes payable(2)	22,082		22,092		37,756		37,904
		$	105,832	$	105,842	$	132,756	$	132,904
	-1	The Term Loan, which was entered into on June 15, 2012, carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin, that is considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).
	-2	Fair value of the notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending institutions with which the Company would enter into similar transactions (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).
	Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value
	The following table presents the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, based upon quoted prices for identical assets in active markets (Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) as of December 31:
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Money market funds(1)	$	12,101	$	12,602
	Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)	3,063		3,035
		$	15,164	$	15,637
	-1	Included in cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 and in cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents at December 31, 2012.
	-2	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan investments consist of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds, and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third‑party brokerage firm. Quoted market prices are used to determine fair values of the investments which are included in other long‑term assets, with a corresponding liability reported within other long‑term liabilities.

ACQUISITION

ACQUISITION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
ACQUISITION	'
	ACQUISITION
	On June 15, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Panther for $180.0 million in cash, net of cash acquired. The acquisition was funded with cash on hand and a $100.0 million secured Term Loan (see Note H). The results of Panther’s operations subsequent to the acquisition date have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The acquisition of Panther enhances the Company’s end‑to‑end logistics solutions and expands the Company’s customer base and business diversification. Panther is reported as the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services operating segment (see Note N).
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. Measurement period adjustments recorded to Panther’s goodwill during 2013 are presented in Note E.
		Purchase
		Allocation
		(in thousands)
	Accounts receivable	$	31,824
	Prepaid expenses	5,205
	Deferred income taxes	2,085
	Property and equipment (excluding acquired software)	5,678
	Software	31,600
	Intangible assets	79,000
	Other assets	3,866
	Total identifiable assets acquired	159,258
	Accounts payable	13,344
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	7,436
	Other liabilities	228
	Deferred income taxes	29,307
	Total liabilities	50,315
	Net identifiable assets acquired	108,943
	Goodwill	71,096
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	180,039
	The fair value of accounts receivable acquired was $31.8 million, having a gross contractual amount of $32.3 million as of June 15, 2012 with $0.5 million expected by the Company to be uncollectible. The value assigned to acquired software reflects estimated reproduction costs, less an obsolescence allowance. The recorded amount of acquired software is being amortized on a straight‑line basis over seven years. Software is included within property, plant and equipment in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. See Note E for further discussion of acquired goodwill and intangibles.
	The Panther acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the Panther operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations since the date of acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2012, operating revenues of $132.3 million and operating income of $2.4 million related to Panther were included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company recognized $2.1 million of acquisition related costs in second quarter 2012, which were included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For segment reporting purposes, these transaction costs were reported within “Other and eliminations.”
	The following unaudited pro forma supplemental information presents the Company’s consolidated results of operations as if the Panther acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2011:
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31
		2012			2011
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Operating revenues	$	2,171,075		$	2,141,057
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	(13,730	)	$	18,852
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	(9,180	)	$	11,938
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.36	)	$	0.45
	The pro forma results of operations are based on historical information adjusted to include the pro forma effect of applying the Company’s accounting policies; eliminating sales transactions between the Company and Panther; adjusting amortization expense for the estimated acquired fair value and the amortization periods of software and intangible assets; adjusting interest expense and interest income for the financing of the acquisition; eliminating transaction expenses related to the acquisition; and the related tax effects of these adjustments. The pro forma information has also been adjusted for the impact on the income tax provision or benefit, as applicable, resulting from changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances which were primarily attributable to the Panther acquisition. As a result, the pro forma information excludes the reversal of deferred tax valuation allowances of $3.3 million ($0.13 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2012. The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect either the realization of potential cost savings or any related integration costs. Certain business synergies and cost savings may result from the Panther acquisition, although there can be no assurance these will be achieved. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been obtained if the acquisition had occurred as of the date indicated, nor does the pro forma information intend to be a projection of results that may be obtained in the future.
	On May 31, 2013, Albert Companies, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company whose operations are included in the Household Goods Moving Services segment (see Note N), acquired a privately‑owned logistics company for net cash consideration of $4.1 million. As the acquired business is not significant to the Company’s consolidated operating results and financial position, pro forma financial information and the purchase price allocation of acquired assets and liabilities have not been presented. The fair value assessment of acquired assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date is preliminary (with remaining matters primarily relating to tax matters and certain other items) and, thus, subject to change. The results of the acquired operations subsequent to the acquisition date have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill by reportable operating segment consisted of the following:
		Total				Household Goods				Premium Logistics
						Moving Services				& Expedited
										Freight Services
										(in thousands)
	Balances December 31, 2011	$	3,660			$	3,660			$	—
	Goodwill acquired - Panther	69,529				—				69,529
	Balances December 31, 2012	73,189				3,660				69,529
	Purchase accounting adjustments	1,567				—				1,567
	Goodwill acquired	1,692				1,692				—
	Balances December 31, 2013	$	76,448			$	5,352			$	71,096
	Goodwill of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment associated with the Panther acquisition was attributable primarily to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, an assembled workforce, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for the acquired intangible assets, including software, which are not deductible for income tax purposes. A substantial portion of the Panther goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. Purchase accounting adjustments reflect changes in the provisional measurements of accrued expenses and deferred taxes. Goodwill of $1.7 million related to the May 31, 2013 acquisition of a privately‑owned logistics company included in the Household Goods Moving Services segment (see Note D) is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes.
	Intangible assets consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
								2013						2012
		Weighted‑Average		Cost				Accumulated				Net		Accumulated		Net
		Amortization Period						Amortization				Value		Amortization		Value
		(in years)						(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Finite‑lived intangible assets
	Customer relationships	14		$	43,500			$	4,790			$	38,710	$	1,683	$	41,817
	Driver network	3		3,200				1,645				1,555		578		2,622
		13		46,700				6,435				40,265		2,261		44,439
	Indefinite‑lived intangible assets
	Trade name	N/A		32,300				N/A				32,300		N/A		32,300
	Other	N/A		2,822				N/A				2,822		N/A		2,822
				35,122				N/A				35,122		N/A		35,122
	Total intangible assets	N/A		$	81,822			$	6,435			$	75,387	$	2,261	$	79,561
	Intangible assets, except for the $2.8 million of other indefinite‑lived assets, were acquired in conjunction with the June 2012 acquisition of Panther. Intangible amortization expense totaled $4.2 million and $2.3 million (all of which pertained to the intangibles acquired in the Panther acquisition) for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization expense on intangible assets (excluding acquired software which is reported within property, plant and equipment) is anticipated to range between $3 million and $4 million per year for the years ended December 31, 2014 through 2018. Acquired software is being amortized on a straight‑line basis over seven years, which resulted in $4.5 million and $2.5 million of amortization expense in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is expected to result in $4.5 million of annual amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 through 2018.
	Annual impairment evaluations of goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangible assets were performed as of October 1, 2013 and 2012, and it was determined that there was no impairment of the recorded balances.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Significant components of the provision or benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Current provision (benefit):
	Federal	$	12,739		$	—		$	(872	)
	State	865			694			487
	Foreign	413			405			489
		14,017			1,099			104
	Deferred provision (benefit):
	Federal	(10,335		)	(8,656		)	2,664
	State	160			(1,699		)	415
	Foreign	(192		)	(4		)	(23		)
		(10,367		)	(10,359		)	3,056
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,650		$	(9,260	)	$	3,160
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
	Significant components of the deferred tax provision or benefit for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property,	$	(13,137	)	$	137		$	15,059
	plant and equipment, other long‑lived assets
	Amortization of intangibles	(3,048		)	(1,604		)	—
	Changes in reserves for workers’ compensation and cargo claims	(1,751		)	(3,319		)	(970		)
	Revenue recognition	(1,704		)	(253		)	654
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	516			229			(705		)
	Foreign tax credit carryforward	71			(133		)	(240		)
	Nonunion pension and other retirement plans	3,493			702			(4,885		)
	Deferred compensation plans	530			669			853
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	4,207			(2,538		)	(680		)
	State net operating loss carryforwards	254			(725		)	705
	State depreciation adjustments	569			20			(1,179		)
	Share‑based compensation	(1,437		)	(702		)	(941		)
	Valuation allowance decrease	(1,436		)	(3,180		)	(782		)
	Leases	612			806			(316		)
	Other accrued expenses	3,284			(1,586		)	(863		)
	Other	(1,390		)	1,118			(2,654		)
	Deferred tax provision (benefit)	$	(10,367	)	$	(10,359	)	$	3,056
	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	50,311		$	51,715
	Pension liabilities	4,404			34,163
	Postretirement liabilities other than pensions	6,349			7,127
	Share‑based compensation	5,898			6,034
	Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	9,840			14,071
	Other	1,877			2,092
	Total deferred tax assets	78,679			115,202
	Valuation allowance	(1,028		)	(2,511		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	77,651			112,691
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property, plant and equipment,	61,673			73,558
	and other long‑lived assets
	Intangibles	34,385			37,282
	Revenue recognition	4,264			4,268
	Prepaid expenses	3,875			3,647
	Total deferred tax liabilities	104,197			118,755
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(26,546	)	$	(6,064	)
	Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income or loss before income taxes, and the statutory federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31 is presented in the following table:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory federal rate	$	6,811		$	(5,947	)	$	3,323
	Federal income tax effects of:	0
State income taxes	(359		)	352			(316		)
Nondeductible expenses	1,090			1,415			1,079
Life insurance proceeds and changes in cash surrender value	(1,320		)	(752		)	(906		)
Dividends received deduction	(9		)	(5		)	—
Alternative fuel tax credit	(1,935		)	—			(995		)
Decrease in valuation allowances	(1,436		)	(3,180		)	(211		)
Other	(440		)	(539		)	(182		)
Federal income tax provision (benefit)	2,402			(8,656		)	1,792
State income tax provision (benefit)	1,026			(1,005		)	902
Foreign income tax provision	222			401			466
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,650		$	(9,260	)	$	3,160
Effective tax (benefit) rate	18.8		%	(54.5		)%	33.3		%
Income taxes paid totaled $13.4 million, $5.3 million, and $5.2 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, before income tax refunds of $8.1 million, $7.1 million, and $4.6 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
The tax benefit for exercised options and the tax benefit of dividends on share‑based payment awards, which were reflected in paid‑in capital, were $0.2 million for 2013 and an immaterial amount for 2012 and 2011.
The Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $87.5 million and state contribution carryforwards of $1.2 million at December 31, 2013. These state net operating loss and contribution carryforwards expire in 5 to 20 years, with the majority of state expirations in 15 or 20 years. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had valuation allowances of $0.7 million related to foreign tax credit carryforwards and $0.3 million related to foreign net operating loss carryforwards, due to the uncertainty of realization of these items. Foreign tax credit carryforwards expire in 6 to 10 years. A valuation allowance of $1.5 million for certain state net operating losses and state deferred tax assets of the Company’s subsidiaries was reversed during 2013 as management determined the realization of the assets was more likely than not and that this valuation allowance was no longer required. Management’s determination was due to current and anticipated utilization of state net operating losses as a result of improved operating results in 2013, which used some state loss carryforwards and other factors that arose in 2013 including the finalization of of a new labor contract in November.
Federal income tax returns filed for tax years through 2009 are closed by the applicable statute of limitations. During 2012, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) notified the Company that the tax return for 2010 would be audited. The field work on this examination began in late 2012, and it is still in process at December 31, 2013. The Company is under examination by certain other taxing authorities. Although the outcome of such audits is always uncertain and could result in payment of additional taxes, the Company does not believe the results of any of these audits will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
For periods subsequent to the June 15, 2012 acquisition date, Panther has been included in consolidated federal income tax returns filed by the Company and in consolidated or combined state income tax returns in states permitting or requiring consolidated or combined income tax returns for affiliated groups such as the Company and its subsidiaries. For periods prior to the acquisition date, Panther and its subsidiaries filed as an affiliated group on a stand‑alone basis. The 2009 federal tax return of Panther was examined by the IRS and a report of no change was issued in 2013. Panther federal tax returns for years through 2009 are now closed by the statute of limitations. At December 31, 2013, Panther had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $14.8 million from periods ending on or prior to June 15, 2012. State net operating loss carryforwards for the same periods are approximately $18.5 million. Federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire if not used within 18 years. State carryforward periods for Panther vary from 5 to 20 years. For federal tax purposes and for most states, the use of such carryforwards is limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). The limitation applies by restricting the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that may be used in individual tax years subsequent to the acquisition date. However, it is not expected that the Section 382 limitation will result in the expiration of net operating loss carryforwards prior to their availability under Section 382.
The Company determined that no reserves for uncertain tax positions were required at December 31, 2012 and 2011 or during the years then ended. The Company established a reserve for uncertain tax positions of $0.3 million at December 31, 2013. The reserve relates to certain credits claimed on an amended federal return for 2009. No regulations have been issued by the IRS relating to the credit and there is no other guidance or case law applicable to the credit. The Company has no information on how the IRS may interpret the related statute, the manner of calculation, and how the credit applies in the Company’s circumstances. As a result, the Company does not believe the credit meets the standard for recognition at December 31, 2013 under the applicable accounting standards.
At December 31, 2013 and 2012, no accrued interest related to state income taxes to be paid on amended returns was required and at December 31, 2011, interest accrued on such state tax obligations totaled $0.1 million. Interest of less than $0.1 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011 was paid related to federal and state income taxes. Interest of $0.2 million was accrued in 2012 for certain foreign income tax obligations. Interest of $0.2 million was paid in 2013 on the foreign income tax obligations, and accrued interest on the foreign income tax obligations of less than $0.1 million remained at December 31, 2013.

OPERATING_LEASES

OPERATING LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
OPERATING LEASES	'
	OPERATING LEASES
	While the Company maintains ownership of most of its larger terminals and distribution centers, certain facilities and equipment are leased. Certain of the leases are renewable for additional periods with similar rent payments. Rental expense for operating leases, including rentals with initial terms of less than one year, totaled $24.1 million, $20.3 million, and $18.9 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	The future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2013 for all noncancelable operating leases were as follows:
		Total		Land and Structures		Equipment
						and
						Other
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	14,513	$	13,408	$	1,105
	2015	11,557		10,944		613
	2016	8,791		8,721		70
	2017	6,875		6,838		37
	2018	5,509		5,509		—
	Thereafter	13,136		13,136		—
		$	60,381	$	58,556	$	1,825

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_FINANCING_AR

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	LONG‑TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	Long‑Term Debt Obligations
	Long‑term debt consisted of a Term Loan under the Credit Agreement (further described in Financing Arrangements within this Note) and notes payable and capital lease obligations related to the financing of revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in ABF Freight’s operations), real estate, and certain other equipment as follows:
		December 31
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Term Loan (interest rate of 1.7% at December 31, 2013)	$	83,750		$	95,000
	Notes payable (weighted‑average interest rate of 3.0% at December 31, 2013)	22,082			37,756
	Capital lease obligations (weighted‑average interest rate of 4.8% at December 31, 2013)	7,013			23,229
		112,845			155,985
	Less current portion	31,513			43,044
	Long‑term debt, less current portion	$	81,332		$	112,941
	Scheduled maturities under the Term Loan and notes payable and future minimum payments under capital lease obligations included in long‑term debt as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
								Notes Payable		Capital Lease Obligations(2)
					Term			Revenue		Revenue		Land and		Equipment
		Total			Loan(1)			Equipment		Equipment		Structures		and Other
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	33,659		$	15,178		$	15,561	$	2,425	$	200	$	295
	2015	28,467			17,716			7,033		3,061		206		451
	2016	19,313			19,100			—		—		213		—
	2017	37,121			36,902			—		—		219		—
	2018	226			—			—		—		226		—
	Thereafter	252			—			—		—		252		—
	Total payments	119,038			88,896			22,594		5,486		1,316		746
	Less amounts representing interest	6,193			5,146			512		284		215		36
	Long‑term debt	$	112,845		$	83,750		$	22,082	$	5,202	$	1,101	$	710
	-1	The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due under the Term Loan are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin (see Term Loan within the Financing Arrangements section of this Note).
	-2	Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements.
	Assets secured by notes payable or held under capital leases at December 31 were included in property, plant and equipment as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenue equipment	58,613			93,004
	Land and structures (terminals)	$	1,794		$	1,794
	Service, office, and other equipment	1,758			1,813
		3,552			3,607
	Less accumulated amortization(1)	26,847			35,183
	Net assets secured by notes payable or held under capital leases	$	(23,295	)	$	(31,576	)
	-1	Amortization of assets secured by notes payable or held under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.
	The Company’s long‑term debt obligations have a weighted‑average interest rate of 2.1% at December 31, 2013. The Company paid interest of $3.6 million in 2013, $4.5 million in 2012, and $3.3 million in 2011, net of capitalized interest which totaled $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and less than $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	Financing Arrangements
	Term Loan
	On June 15, 2012, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, a five‑year, $100.0 million secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) was obtained to finance a portion of the cost of the acquisition of Panther (see Note D). The Credit Agreement also provides the Company with the right to request revolving commitments thereunder up to an aggregate amount of $75.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain additional conditions provided in the agreement; however, borrowings under the revolving commitments would replace borrowing capacity under the accounts receivable securitization program which is discussed within this Note. There have been no borrowings under the revolving commitments. The Term Loan is secured by a lien on certain of the Company’s assets and pledges of the equity interests in certain subsidiaries (with these assets and subsidiaries defined in the Credit Agreement). The Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments and monthly interest payments, with remaining amounts outstanding due upon the maturity date of June 15, 2017. Borrowings under the Term Loan can be repaid in whole or in part at any time, without penalty, subject to required notice periods and compliance with minimum prepayment amounts. The Term Loan allows for the election of interest at a base rate or LIBOR plus a margin based on the adjusted leverage ratio, as defined, which is measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. The Credit Agreement contains conditions, representations and warranties, events of default, and indemnification provisions that are customary for financings of this type including, but not limited to, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, a maximum adjusted leverage ratio, and limitations on incurrence of debt, investments, liens on assets, transactions with affiliates, mergers, consolidations, and purchases and sales of assets. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the covenants. For the reporting period ended December 31, 2013, the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.21 to 1.0, compared to the minimum ratio required by the Credit Agreement of 1.25 to 1.0.
	Notes Payable and Capital Leases
	ABF Freight has financed the purchase of certain revenue equipment through promissory note arrangements. The promissory notes specify the terms of the arrangements, including the monthly payment and interest rates. The Company did not enter into any promissory note arrangements in 2013. ABF Freight entered into 36‑month promissory notes during 2012 and 2011 to finance $38.0 million and $28.5 million of revenue equipment, respectively.
	The Company has financed revenue equipment, real estate, and certain other equipment through capital lease agreements. ABF Freight entered into capital lease agreements totaling less than $0.1 million in 2013 to finance the purchase of certain equipment. During 2011, ABF Freight entered into 36‑month capital lease agreements to finance $1.9 million of revenue equipment. The capital lease agreements specify the terms of the arrangements, including the monthly base rent and interest rates.
	Accounts Receivable Securitization Program
	The Company has an accounts receivable securitization program with PNC Bank which provides for cash proceeds of an amount up to $75.0 million. Under this facility, which matures on June 15, 2015, certain subsidiaries of the Company continuously sell a designated pool of trade accounts receivables to a wholly owned subsidiary which, in turn, may borrow funds on a revolving basis. This wholly owned consolidated subsidiary is a separate bankruptcy‑remote entity, and its assets would be available only to satisfy the claims related to the lender’s interest in the trade accounts receivables. Advances under the facility bear interest based upon LIBOR, plus a margin, and an annual facility fee. The securitization agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default that are customary for financings of this type, including a maximum adjusted leverage ratio covenant. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the covenants. There have been no borrowings under this facility.
	The accounts receivable securitization program includes a provision under which the Company may request and the letter of credit issuer may issue standby letters of credit, primarily in support of workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self‑insured. The outstanding standby letters of credit reduce the availability of borrowings under the facility. As of December 31, 2013, standby letters of credit of $20.3 million have been issued under the facility, which reduced the available borrowing capacity to $54.7 million.
	Letter of Credit Agreements and Surety Bond Programs
	The Company has agreements with certain financial institutions to provide collateralized facilities for the issuance of letters of credit (“LC Agreements”). These financial institutions issue letters of credit on behalf of the Company primarily in support of the self‑insurance program previously discussed within this Note. The LC Agreements contain no financial ratios or financial covenants which the Company is required to maintain. The LC Agreements generally require cash or short‑term investments to be pledged as collateral for outstanding letters of credit. The Company had letters of credit outstanding of $22.8 million (including $20.3 million issued under the accounts receivable securitization program previously described within this Note) as of December 31, 2013, and $22.7 million as of December 31, 2012, of which $1.9 million and $5.9 million, respectively, were collateralized by restricted cash and short‑term investments under the LC Agreements. The Company had up to $58.1 million available as of December 31, 2013 for issuance of letters of credit, subject to the Company’s compliance with the requirements of issuance.
	The Company has programs in place with multiple surety companies for the issuance of partially secured or unsecured surety bonds in support of the self‑insurance program discussed in the previous paragraphs. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, surety bonds outstanding related to the collateralized self‑insurance program totaled $12.7 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The outstanding bonds were collateralized by letters of credit of $3.8 million at December 31, 2013 issued under the previously described accounts receivable securitization program, and $3.8 million of restricted short‑term investments in certificates of deposit at December 31, 2012. Under separate uncollateralized bond programs, surety bonds outstanding related to the Company’s self‑insurance program totaled $43.8 million and $36.6 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

ACCRUED_EXPENSES

ACCRUED EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
ACCRUED EXPENSES	'
	ACCRUED EXPENSES
		December 31
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Accrued compensation	$	22,734	$	15,841
	Accrued vacation pay	36,246		40,473
	Taxes other than income	7,418		7,366
	Workers’ compensation, third‑party casualty, and loss and damage claims reserves	92,166		86,969
	Other	15,058		8,019
		$	173,622	$	158,668

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans Excluding Share Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans
	The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all noncontractual employees hired before January 1, 2006. Benefits under the defined benefit pension plan are generally based on years of service and employee compensation. The Company’s contributions to the defined benefit pension plan are based upon the minimum funding levels required under provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”), with the maximum contributions not to exceed deductible limits under the IRC. In June 2013, the Company amended the nonunion defined benefit pension plan to freeze the participants’ final average compensation and years of credited service as of July 1, 2013. The plan amendment did not impact the vested benefits of retirees or former employees whose benefits have not yet been paid from the plan. Effective July 1, 2013, participants of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan who were active employees of the Company became eligible to participate in the Company’s nonunion defined contribution plan in which substantially all noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 also participate (see Defined Contribution Plans section within this Note).
	The June 2013 amendment to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan resulted in a plan curtailment which was recorded as of June 30, 2013. The effect of the plan curtailment was a reduction of the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) to the amount of the plan’s accumulated benefit obligation. The decrease in the PBO reduced the unrecognized net actuarial loss of the plan, which is reported on an after‑tax basis in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet. No curtailment gain or loss was recognized in current earnings. The unrecognized net actuarial loss was also reduced by a net actuarial gain which resulted from the remeasurement of the assets and PBO of the plan upon curtailment. The freeze of the accrual of benefits effective as of July 1, 2013, and the reduction of the PBO upon plan curtailment reduced the total service and interest cost for the plan year ending December 31, 2013. Because total 2013 lump‑sum benefit distributions from the plan exceeded the total annual service and interest cost of the plan, the Company recognized pension settlement expense in 2013. Amounts recorded for the curtailment and settlements of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan for the year ended December 31, 2013 are presented in the tables within this Note.
	The Company also has an unfunded supplemental benefit plan (“SBP”) for the purpose of supplementing benefits under the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan for executive officers designated as participants in the SBP by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”) elected to close the SBP to new entrants and to place a cap on the maximum payment per participant to existing participants in the SBP effective January 1, 2006. In place of the SBP, eligible officers of the Company appointed after 2005 participate in a long‑term cash incentive plan (see Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan section within this Note). Effective December 31, 2009, the Compensation Committee elected to freeze the accrual of benefits for remaining participants under the SBP. With the exception of early retirement penalties that may apply in certain cases, the valuation inputs for calculating the frozen SBP benefits to be paid to participants, including final average salary and the interest rate, were frozen at December 31, 2009.
	The Company sponsors an insured postretirement health benefit plan that provides supplemental medical benefits and dental benefits primarily to certain officers of the Company and certain subsidiaries. Effective January 1, 2011, retirees began paying a portion of the premiums under the plan according to age and coverage levels. The amendment to the plan to implement retiree premiums resulted in an unrecognized prior service credit which was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized over approximately eight years. Premiums charged to retirees under the postretirement health benefit plan were increased effective January 1, 2014, which contributed to the actuarial gain recognized for the plan effective December 31, 2013.
	The following table discloses the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for years ended December 31, the measurement date of the plans:
		Nonunion Defined								Supplemental						Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan								Benefit Plan						Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligations
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	260,950			$	244,402			$	7,213		$	7,620		$	18,308		$	17,553
	Service cost	4,734				9,189				—			—			331			315
	Interest cost	7,784				8,692				150			210			751			749
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(10,797		)		15,893				(271		)	509			(2,484		)	277
	Benefits paid	(22,486		)		(17,226		)		—			(1,126		)	(588		)	(586		)
	Curtailment gain	(29,262		)		—				—			—			—			—
	Settlement loss	737				—				—			—			—			—
	Benefit obligations at end of year	211,660				260,950				7,092			7,213			16,318			18,308
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning	181,225				161,249				—			—			—			—
	of year
	Actual return on plan assets	31,074				19,202				—			—			—			—
	Employer contributions	17,800				18,000				—			1,126			588			586
	Benefits paid	(22,486		)		(17,226		)		—			(1,126		)	(588		)	(586		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	207,613				181,225				—			—			—			—
	Funded status	$	(4,047	)		$	(79,725	)		$	(7,092	)	$	(7,213	)	$	(16,318	)	$	(18,308	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	211,660			$	230,305			$	7,092		$	7,213		$	16,318		$	18,308
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 consisted of the following:
		Nonunion Defined								Supplemental						Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan								Benefit Plan						Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current liabilities (included in accrued expenses)	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	(610	)	$	(573	)
	Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and postretirement liabilities)	(4,047		)		(79,725		)		(7,092		)	(7,213		)	(15,708		)	(17,735		)
	Liabilities recognized	$	(4,047	)		$	(79,725	)		$	(7,092	)	$	(7,213	)	$	(16,318	)	$	(18,308	)
	The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for the years ended December 31:
		Nonunion Defined											Supplemental									Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan											Benefit Plan									Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2011			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	4,734			$	9,189			$	8,655		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	331		$	315		$	224
	Interest cost	7,784				8,692				9,954			150			210			386			751			749			781
	Expected return on	(13,313		)		(12,063		)		(12,584		)	—			—			—			—			—			—
	plan assets
	Amortization of prior	—				—				—			—			—			—			(190		)	(190		)	(190		)
	service credit
	Pension settlement expense	2,111				—				—			—			—			1,125			—			—			—
	Amortization of net	7,140				10,767				6,921			260			202			328			535			416			112
	actuarial loss(1)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	8,456			$	16,585			$	12,946		$	410		$	412		$	1,839		$	1,427		$	1,290		$	927
	-1	The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use a corridor approach.
	The following is a summary of the pension settlement distributions and settlement expense for the years ended December 31:
		Nonunion Defined											Supplemental
		Benefit Pension Plan											Benefit Plan
		2013(1)				2012				2011			2013			2012(2)			2011
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Pension settlement distributions	$	20,104			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	1,126		$	2,526
	Pension settlement expense, pre‑tax	$	2,111			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,125
	Pension settlement expense per diluted share, net of taxes	$	0.05			—				—			—			—			$	0.03
	-1	Pension settlement distributions represent lump‑sum benefit distributions paid in 2013.
	-2	2012 SBP distribution related to an officer retirement that occurred in 2011. The benefit distribution amount was fixed at the retirement date, but IRC Section 409A requires that distributions to certain key employees under the SBP be delayed for six months after retirement. The pension settlement expense related to this distribution was recognized in 2011 and is included in this table for 2011.
Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31 were the following pre‑tax amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:
	Nonunion Defined								Supplemental						Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan								Benefit Plan						Health Benefit Plan
	2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
	(in thousands)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	16,003			$	82,337			$	1,778		$	2,308		$	150		$	3,169
Unrecognized prior service credit	—				—				—			—			(887		)	(1,077		)
Total	$	16,003			$	82,337			$	1,778		$	2,308		$	(737	)	$	2,092
The following amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2014 on a pre‑tax basis. (Amounts exclude the effect of pension settlements, which are further discussed under Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets within this Note.)
	Nonunion				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Defined Benefit				Benefit				Health
	Pension Plan				Plan				Benefit Plan
					(in thousands)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	2,008			$	226			$	17
Unrecognized prior service credit	—				—				(190		)
Total	$	2,008			$	226			$	(173	)
The discount rate is determined by matching projected cash distributions with appropriate high‑quality corporate bond yields in a yield curve analysis. Prior to the June 30, 2013 curtailment of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the Company established the assumed rate of compensation increase for the plan at the measurement date by considering historical changes in compensation combined with an estimate of compensation rates for the next 2 years. Weighted‑average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:
	Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
Discount rate(1)	3.80%		3.10%		2.80%		2.10%		4.70%		3.80%
Rate of compensation increase(2)	N/A		3.30%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
-1	The discount rate was determined at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The discount rate used to remeasure the PBO of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan upon the June 30, 2013 remeasurement for curtailment and the September 30, 2013 remeasurement for settlement was 3.9% and 3.7%, respectively.
-2	The compensation assumption was not applicable to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan obligation as of December 31, 2013 due to the 2013 plan amendment which froze the accrual of benefits as of July 1, 2013.
Weighted‑average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
	Nonunion Defined						Supplemental					Postretirement
	Benefit Pension Plan						Benefit Plan					Health Benefit Plan
	2013		2012		2011		2013		2012		2011	2013		2012	2011
Discount rate(1)	3.10%		3.70%		4.70%		2.10%		3.20%		4.10%	3.80%		4.30%	5.40%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%		7.50%		7.50%		N/A		N/A		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
Rate of compensation increase(2)	3.30%		3.30%		3.20%		N/A		N/A		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
-1	The discount rate was determined at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 for the year 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
-2	The compensation assumption was no longer applicable for determining net periodic benefit cost of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan upon the June 30, 2013 remeasurement for plan curtailment due to the accrual of benefits being frozen as of July 1, 2013.
The assumed health care cost trend rates for the Company’s postretirement health benefit plan at December 31 were as follows:
	2013						2012
	Pre‑65			Post‑65(1)
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	8	%		5	%		8.5	%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline	5	%		5	%		5	%
Year that the rate reaches the cost trend assumed rate	2020			2020			2020
-1	The post‑65 assumed health care cost trend rates were established separate from the pre‑65 trend rates as of December 31, 2013, reflecting lower medical cost trend rates for this age group as determined by actuarial analysis. The change in trend rates for 2013 contributed significantly to the net actuarial gain upon the December 31, 2013 plan remeasurement.
The health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the obligations reported for health care plans. A one‑percentage‑point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the Company’s postretirement health benefit plan for the year ended December 31, 2013:
	One Percentage Point
	Increase				Decrease
	(in thousands)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	220			$	(174	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	2,854			$	(2,330	)
Estimated future benefit payments from the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plans, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	Nonunion				Supplemental				Postretirement
	Defined Benefit				Benefit				Health
	Pension Plan(1)				Plan				Benefit Plan
					(in thousands)
2014	$	22,396			$	—			$	610
2015	$	20,628			$	—			$	666
2016	$	19,792			$	1,235			$	709
2017	$	18,785			$	—			$	759
2018	$	17,187			$	—			$	860
2018‑2022	$	73,713			$	7,042			$	4,620
-1	Includes the amounts of future periodic benefit payments estimated as of December 31, 2013 for which the related pension obligation was settled with the purchase of a nonparticipating annuity contract purchase in January 2014 (as discussed in Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets within this section of the Note). The amount paid for the related contract premium is excluded from the 2014 payments presented.
Based upon currently available actuarial information, which is subject to change upon completion of the 2014 actuarial valuation of the plan, the Company does not expect to have cash outlays for required minimum contributions to its nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2014.The plan had an adjusted funding target attainment percentage (“AFTAP”) of 102.7% as of the January 1, 2013 valuation date. The AFTAP is determined by measurements prescribed by the IRC, which differ from the funding measurements for financial statement reporting purposes.
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
The Company establishes the expected long‑term rate of return on nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets, which are held in trust, by considering the historical returns for the current mix of investments. In addition, consideration is given to the range of expected returns for the current pension plan investment mix provided by the plan’s investment advisor. This approach is intended to establish a long‑term, nonvolatile rate. The Company’s long‑term expected rate of return utilized in determining its 2014 nonunion defined benefit pension plan expense is expected to be 6.5%.
The overall objectives of the investment strategy for the Company’s nonunion defined benefit plan are to achieve a rate of return that over the long term will fund liabilities and provide for required benefits under the plan in a manner that satisfies the fiduciary requirements of ERISA. The investment strategy aims to maximize the long‑term return on plan assets subject to an acceptable level of investment risk, liquidity risk, and funding risk utilizing target asset allocations for investments. The plan’s long‑term asset allocation policy is intended to protect or improve the purchasing power of plan assets and provide adequate diversification to limit the possibility of experiencing a substantial loss over a one‑year period.
The weighted‑average target, acceptable ranges, and actual asset allocations of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan at December 31 is summarized in the following table:
	2013					Weighted‑Average Allocation
	Target			Acceptable		2013			2012
	Allocation			Range
Equity Securities
Large Cap U.S. Equity	20	%		15.0% – 30.0%		23.8	%		32.1	%
Mid Cap U.S. Equity	10			8.0% – 12.0%		10.7			11.1
Small Cap U.S. Equity	10			8.0% – 12.0%		10.5			11.1
International Equity	15			11.0% – 19.0%		12.5			11.1
Emerging Market Equity	—			—		—			5
Income Securities
Debt Instruments	20			15.0% – 25.0%		17.6			22.4
Floating Rate Loan Fund	5			3.0% – 10.0%		3.6			4
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents	20			10.0% – 25.0%		21.3			3.2
	100	%				100	%		100	%
Investment balances and results are reviewed quarterly. Investment performance is generally compared to the three‑to‑five year performance of recognized market indices as well as analyzed for periods shorter than three years for each investment fund and over five years for the total fund. Although investment allocations which fall outside the acceptable range at the end of any quarter are usually rebalanced based on the target allocation, the Company has the discretion to maintain cash or other short‑term investments during periods of market volatility. The plan had a higher investment allocation to cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year in preparation for investment changes anticipated in January 2014.
In consideration of the freeze of the accrual of benefits under the nonunion defined benefit pension plan effective July 1, 2013, as previously described within this Note, the investment strategy has become more focused on reducing investment, interest rate, and longevity risks in the plan. As part of this strategy, in January 2014, the plan purchased a nonparticipating annuity contract from an insurance company to settle the pension obligation related to the vested benefits of 375 plan participants and beneficiaries currently receiving monthly benefit payments. Upon payment of the $25.4 million premium for the annuity contract, pension benefit obligations totaling $23.3 million were transferred to the insurance company. Because the total of lump‑sum distributions plus the nonparticipating annuity contract purchase amount will exceed the annual interest costs of the plan, the Company will recognize settlement expense as a component of net periodic benefit cost in first quarter 2014 of approximately $2.0 million to $3.0 million (pre‑tax) with a corresponding reduction of the net actuarial loss of the plan, which is reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss. The remaining pre‑tax unrecognized net actuarial loss will continue to be amortized over the average remaining future years of service of the plan participants, which is approximately eight years. The Company will incur additional quarterly settlement expense related to lump‑sum distributions from the nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2014.
Following the previously described annuity contract purchase, the target investment allocation of nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets will be adjusted from the asset allocation as of December 31, 2013 (presented in the previous table) by decreasing the cash equivalents target allocation from 20.0% to 10.0% and increasing the debt instruments target allocation from 20.0% to 30.0%.
Certain types of investments and transactions are prohibited or restricted by the Company’s written pension investment policy, including, but not limited to, borrowing of money; purchase of securities on margin; short sales; pledging, mortgaging, or hypothecating securities except loans of securities that are fully‑collateralized; purchase or sale of futures, options, or derivatives for speculation or leverage; purchase or sale of commodities; or illiquid interests in real estate or mortgages. Historically, index funds have primarily been used for investments in equity and fixed income securities; however, in recent years the Company has invested in actively managed portfolios. Beginning in 2009, the Company invested a portion of the plan’s income securities into an actively managed portfolio of short‑term debt instruments. The objectives of this portfolio are to preserve principal and maintain an investment maturity structure that matches scheduled cash flows of benefit payments. In addition to the requirements of the investment policy, certain investment restrictions apply to the actively managed portfolio, including: minimum acceptable credit quality of securities; maximum maturity of investments of seven years; and, at the time of purchase, no single issue or issuer other than U.S. government securities representing more than 5% of portfolio investments, and no more than 25% of the portfolio invested in BBB rated debt. Beginning in 2011, the Company invested a portion of the plan’s equity investments in an actively managed portfolio of mid‑cap U.S. equity securities. In 2012, a portion of the plan’s income security investments were placed in a separate actively managed portfolio of short duration debt instruments, with certain investment restrictions, including: guidelines for allowable securities and certain maximum concentrations of investments; maintenance of an average effective duration period not to exceed three years; and minimum acceptable credit quality of securities.
The fair value of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2013, by major asset category and fair value hierarchy level (see Fair Value Measurements accounting policy in Note B), were as follows:
					Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
					In Active				Observable			Unobservable
					Markets				Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
									(in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	44,166			$	44,166			$	—		$	—
Debt Instruments(2)	36,517				—				36,517			—
Floating Rate Loans(3)	7,594				7,594				—			—
Large Cap U.S. Equity	49,281				49,281				—			—
Mid Cap U.S. Equity	22,181				22,181				—			—
Small Cap U.S. Equity	21,848				21,848				—			—
International Equity	26,026				26,026				—			—
	$	207,613			$	171,096			$	36,517		$	—
-1	Consists primarily of money market mutual funds.
-2	Includes corporate debt instruments (37%), treasury instruments (24%), mortgage‑backed instruments (27%), municipal debt instruments (5%), asset‑backed instruments (4%), and agency debt instruments (3%) which are priced using daily bid prices. The fair value measurements are provided by a pricing service which uses the market approach with inputs derived from observable market data.
-3	Consists of a floating rate loan mutual fund.
The fair value of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2012, by major asset category and fair value hierarchy level (see Fair Value Measurements accounting policy in Note B), were as follows:
					Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
					In Active				Observable			Unobservable
					Markets				Inputs			Inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
									(in thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	5,752			$	5,752			$	—		$	—
Debt Instruments(2)	40,556				—				40,556			—
Floating Rate Loans(3)	7,244				7,244				—			—
Large Cap U.S. Equity	58,210				58,210				—			—
Mid Cap U.S. Equity	20,226				20,226				—			—
Small Cap U.S. Equity	20,044				20,044				—			—
International Equity	20,046				20,046				—			—
Emerging Market Equity	9,147				9,147				—			—
	$	181,225			$	140,669			$	40,556		$	—
-1	Consists primarily of money market mutual funds.
-2	Includes mortgage‑backed instruments (34%), corporate debt instruments (33%), treasury instruments (23%), municipal debt instruments (5%), and asset‑backed instruments (5%) which are priced using daily bid prices. The fair value measurements are provided by a pricing service which uses the market approach with inputs derived from observable market data.
-3	Consists of a floating rate loan mutual fund.
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company has deferred salary agreements with certain executives for which liabilities of $5.2 million and $5.5 million were recorded as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The deferred salary agreements include a provision that immediately vests all benefits and provides for a lump‑sum payment upon a change in control of the Company. The Compensation Committee elected to close the deferred salary agreement program to new entrants effective January 1, 2006. In place of the deferred salary agreement program, officers appointed after 2005 participate in the Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan (see Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan section within this Note).
An additional benefit plan provides certain death and retirement benefits for certain officers and directors of an acquired company and its former subsidiaries. The Company had recorded liabilities of $0.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012 for future costs under this plan.
The Company maintains a Voluntary Savings Plan (“VSP”), a nonqualified deferred compensation program for the benefit of certain executives of the Company and certain subsidiaries. Eligible employees may defer receipt of a portion of their salary and incentive compensation into the VSP by making an election prior to the beginning of the year in which the salary compensation is payable and, for incentive compensation, by making an election at least six months prior to the end of the performance period to which the incentive relates. The Company credits participants’ accounts with applicable rates of return based on a portfolio selected by the participants from the investments available in the plan. The Company match related to the VSP was suspended beginning January 1, 2010. All deferrals, Company match, and investment earnings are considered part of the general assets of the Company until paid. Accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets reflect the fair value of the aggregate participant balances, based on quoted prices of the mutual fund investments, as both an asset and a liability of the Company. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, VSP balances of $3.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively, were included in other long‑term assets with a corresponding amount recorded in other long‑term liabilities.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company and its subsidiaries have various defined contribution 401(k) plans that cover substantially all employees. The plans permit participants to defer a portion of their salary up to a maximum of 69% as determined under Section 401(k) of the IRC. For certain participating subsidiaries, the Company has historically matched 50% of nonunion participant contributions up to the first 6% of annual compensation. The plans also allow for discretionary Company contributions determined annually. The Company match was suspended for 2011 and was reinstated beginning January 1, 2012. The Company’s matching expense for the 401(k) plans totaled $4.5 million and $3.8 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Effective July 1, 2013, participants in the nonunion defined benefit pension plan who were active employees of the Company became eligible for the Company’s nonunion defined contribution plan in which substantially all noncontractual employees hired subsequent to December 31, 2005 also participate. Participants are fully vested in their benefits under the defined contribution plan after three years of service. The Company may make discretionary contributions to the defined contribution plan. In 2013 and 2011, the Company recognized expense of $5.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to its contributions to the defined contribution plan. No contributions were made to the plan for 2012.
Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan
The Company maintains a performance‑based Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan for officers of the Company or its subsidiaries who are not active participants in the deferred salary agreement program. The Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan incentive, which is generally earned over three years, is based in part upon a proportionate weighting of return on capital employed and shareholder returns compared to a peer group, as specifically defined in the Long‑Term Cash Incentive Plan. Minimum performance requirements were not achieved as of December 31, 2011 and 2012 and, as a result, no incentive payments were accrued for these years. Based on total shareholder returns relative to a peer group, $4.2 million was accrued as of December 31, 2013 for future payments under the plans.
Other Plans
Other long‑term assets include $43.8 million and $41.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in cash surrender value of life insurance policies. These policies are intended to provide funding for long‑term nonunion benefit arrangements such as the Company’s SBP and deferred compensation plans. A portion of the Company’s cash surrender value of variable life insurance policies have investments, through separate accounts, in equity and fixed income securities and, therefore, are subject to market volatility. The Company recognized gains associated with changes in the cash surrender value and proceeds from life insurance policies of $3.8 million, $2.1 million, and $2.6 million, during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
Multiemployer Plans
ABF Freight contributes to multiemployer pension and health and welfare plans to provide benefits for its contractual employees. ABF Freight’s contributions generally are based on the time worked by its contractual employees, in accordance with the ABF NMFA, its collective bargaining agreement with the IBT, and other related supplemental agreements. As of December 2013, approximately 76% of ABF Freight’s employees were covered under ABF NMFA. ABF Freight recognizes as expense the contractually required contributions for each period and recognizes as a liability any contributions due and unpaid. The ABF NMFA and the related supplemental agreements which were implemented on November 3, 2013, provide for continued contributions to various multiemployer health, welfare, and pension plans maintained for the benefit of ABF Freight’s employees who are members of the IBT. Rate increases under the ABF NMFA were applied retroactively to August 1, 2013. The combined contribution rates for health, welfare, and pension benefits under the ABF NMFA may increase up to $1.00 per hour each August 1 providing that the plans evidence any necessary increase.
The multiemployer plans to which ABF Freight contributes, which have been established pursuant to the Taft‑Hartley Act, are jointly‑trusteed (half of the trustees of each plan are selected by the participating employers, the other half by the IBT) and cover collectively‑bargained employees of multiple unrelated employers. Due to the inherent nature of multiemployer plans, there are risks associated with participation in these plans that differ from single‑employer plans. Assets received by the plans are not segregated by employer, and contributions made by one employer can be and are used to provide benefits to current and former employees of other employers. If a participating employer to a multiemployer plan no longer contributes to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. If a participating employer in a multiemployer pension plan completely withdraws from the plan, it owes to the plan its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits, referred to as a withdrawal liability. A complete withdrawal generally occurs when the employer permanently ceases to contribute to the plan. A withdrawal liability is also owed in the event the employer withdraws from a plan in connection with a mass withdrawal, which generally occurs when all or substantially all employers withdraw from the plan pursuant to an agreement in a relatively short period of time. Were ABF Freight to completely withdraw from certain multiemployer pension plans, whether in connection with a mass withdrawal or otherwise, under current law, the Company would have material liabilities for its share of the unfunded vested liabilities of each such plan. However, ABF Freight currently has no intention to withdraw from any such plan, which generally would be effected through collective bargaining.
Pension Plans
The 25 multiemployer pension plans to which ABF Freight contributes vary greatly in size and in funded status. ABF Freight’s contribution obligations to these plans are specified in the ABF NMFA, which was implemented on November 3, 2013 and will remain in effect through March 31, 2018. The funding obligations to the pension plans are intended to satisfy the requirements imposed by the PPA. Among other things, the PPA requires that “endangered” (generally less than 80% funded and commonly called “yellow zone”) plans adopt “funding improvement plans” and that “critical” (generally less than 65% funded and commonly called “red zone”) plans adopt “rehabilitation plans” that are intended to improve the plan’s funded status over time. Through the term of its current collective bargaining agreement, ABF Freight’s contribution obligations generally will be satisfied by making the specified contributions when due. However, the Company cannot determine with any certainty the contributions that will be required under future collective bargaining agreements for its contractual employees. In addition, notwithstanding any collective bargaining agreement, employer contribution obligations to multiemployer pension plans can be increased if the plan enters reorganization status or becomes insolvent. In those events, the contribution increase generally cannot exceed 7% per year. ABF Freight has not received notification of any plan reorganization or plan insolvency.
Based on the most recent annual funding notices the Company has received, most of which are for plan years ended December 31, 2012, approximately 63% of ABF Freight’s contributions to multiemployer pension plans, including the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (the “Central States Pension Plan”) discussed below, were made to plans that were in “critical status” and approximately 3% of ABF Freight’s contributions to multiemployer pension plans were made to plans that were in “endangered status,” each as defined by the PPA. ABF Freight’s participation in multiemployer pension plans is summarized in the table below. The multiemployer pension plans listed separately in the table represent plans that are individually significant to ABF Freight based on the amount of plan contributions. The severity of a plan’s underfunded status was also considered in ABF Freight’s analysis of individually significant funds to be separately disclosed.
Significant multiemployer pension plans and key participation information were as follows:
			Pension				FIP/RP
	EIN/Pension		Protection Act				Status		Contributions (d)									Surcharge
			Zone Status (b)				Pending/		(in thousands)									Imposed
Legal Name of Plan	Plan Number (a)		2013		2012		Implemented (c)		2013			2012			2011			(e)
Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan(1)(2)	36‑6044243		Red		Red		Implemented(3)		$	70,020		$	68,683		$	70,579		No
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan(2)	91‑6145047		Green		Green		No(4)		20,601			20,774			20,807			No
Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Defined Benefit Plan(1)(2)	23‑6262789		Green(5)		Yellow(5)		Implemented(5)		12,143			11,170			12,022			No
I. B. of T. Union Local No. 710 Pension Fund(7)(8)	36‑2377656		Green(6)		Green(6)		No		10,001			9,567			9,265			No
All other plans in the aggregate									23,468			21,701			20,168
Total multiemployer pension contributions paid(9)									$	136,233		$	131,895		$	132,841
Table Heading Definitions
(a)	The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the three‑digit plan number, if applicable.
(b)	Unless otherwise noted, the most recent PPA zone status available in 2013 and 2012 is for the plan’s year‑end status at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The zone status is based on information ABF Freight received from the plan and was certified by the plan’s actuary.
(c)	The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates if a funding improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP), if applicable, is pending or has been implemented.
(d)	Amounts reflect contributions made by ABF Freight in the respective year and differ from amounts expensed during the year.
(e)	The surcharge column indicates if a surcharge was paid by the employer to the plan.
-1	ABF Freight was listed by the plan as providing more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the plan years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
-2	Information for this plan was obtained from the annual funding notice, other notices received from the plan, and the Forms 5500 filed for the plan years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
-3	Adopted a rehabilitation plan effective March 25, 2008, as updated. Utilized amortization extension effective December 31, 2003.
-4	Utilized funding relief elections under the Pension Relief Act to determine the zone status beginning with the January 1, 2011 actuarial valuation.
-5	Certified as “neither endangered nor critical” status for the plan year beginning January 1, 2013. The plan was certified as “endangered” for the plan year beginning January 1, 2012, and a funding improvement plan was adopted in December 2012.
-6	PPA zone status relates to plan years February 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 and February 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012.
-7	ABF Freight was listed by the plan as providing more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the plan years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012.
-8	Information for this plan was obtained from the annual funding notice, other notices received from the plan, and the Forms 5500 filed for the plan years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012.
-9	Contribution levels can be impacted by several factors such as changes in business levels and the related time worked by contractual employees, contractual rate increases for pension benefits, and the specific funding structure, which differs among plans. The pension contribution rate for contractual employees increased an average of 2.0%, 2.3%, and 3.6% effective primarily on August 1, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Supplemental Negotiating Committee for the Central States Pension Plan approved no pension contribution increase effective August 1, 2013, 2012, and 2011. The Supplemental Negotiating Committee for the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan approved no pension contribution increase effective August 1, 2013 and 2012. The year‑over‑year changes in multiemployer pension plan contributions presented above were also influenced by changes in ABF Freight’s business levels.
For 2013, 2012, and 2011, 50% to 55% of ABF Freight’s multiemployer pension contributions were made to the Central States Pension Plan. The funded percentage of the Central States Pension Plan, as set forth in information provided by the Central States Plan, was 47.6%, 53.9%, and 58.9% as of January 1, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. In 2005, the IRS granted an extension of the period of time over which the Central States Pension Plan amortizes unfunded liabilities by ten years subject to the condition that a targeted funding ratio will be maintained by the plan. Based on information currently available to the Company, the Central States Pension Plan has not received notice of revocation of the ten‑year amortization extension granted by the IRS. In the unlikely event that the IRS revokes the extension, the revocation would apply retroactively to the 2004 plan year, which would result in a material liability for ABF Freight’s share of the resulting funded deficiency, the extent of which is currently unknown to the Company. The Company believes that the occurrence of a revocation that would require recognition of liabilities for ABF Freight’s share of a funded deficiency is remote.
Health and Welfare Plans
ABF Freight contributes to 44 multiemployer health and welfare plans which provide health care benefits for active employees and retirees covered under ABF Freight’s labor agreements. ABF Freight’s contributions to multiemployer health and welfare plans totaled $118.0 million, $113.0 million, and $112.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The contribution rate for health and welfare benefits increased by an average of 7.6%, 5.3%, and 4.1% primarily on August 1, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, under ABF Freight’s collective bargaining agreement with the IBT. Other than changes to contribution rates and variances in rates and time worked, there have been no other significant items that affect the comparability of the 2013, 2012, and 2011 multiemployer health and welfare contributions.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows at December 31:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Pre‑tax amounts:
	Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)	$	(17,044	)	$	(86,737	)	$	(88,393	)
	Foreign currency translation	(863		)	(662		)	(691		)
	Total	$	(17,907	)	$	(87,399	)	$	(89,084	)
	After‑tax amounts:
	Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)	$	(14,386	)	$	(56,968	)	$	(57,979	)
	Foreign currency translation	(526		)	(404		)	(423		)
	Total	$	(14,912	)	$	(57,372	)	$	(58,402	)
	-1	The decrease in unrecognized net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected the impact of a $66.3 million ($40.5 million after tax) decrease in the unrecognized net actuarial loss related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2013, primarily due to a $29.3 million ($17.9 million after‑tax) curtailment gain and a $27.8 million ($17.0 million after‑tax) net actuarial gain related to the increase in the discount rate used to remeasure the plan obligation upon curtailment and the amount required to adjust the assumed return on plan assets to the actual return experienced in 2013. The nonunion defined benefit pension plan is discussed further in Note J.
	The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Total			Unrecognized			Foreign
					Net Periodic			Currency
					Benefit Costs			Translation
		(in thousands)
	Balances at December 31, 2012	$	(57,372	)	$	(56,968	)	$	(404	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	36,439			36,561			(122		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,021			6,021			—
	Net current‑period other comprehensive income (loss)	42,460			42,582			(122		)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	(14,912	)	$	(14,386	)	$	(526	)
	The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs(1)(2)
		(in thousands)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	$	(7,935	)
	Amortization of prior service credit	190
	Settlement expense	(2,111		)
	Total, pre‑tax	(9,856		)
	Tax benefit	3,835
	Total, net of tax	$	(6,021	)
	-1	Amounts in parentheses indicate increases in expense or loss.
	-2	These components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note J).
	Dividends on Common Stock
	The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:
		2013						2012					2011
		Per Share			Amount			Per Share			Amount		Per Share		Amount
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	First quarter	$	0.03		$	807		$	0.03		$	797	$	0.03	$	788
	Second quarter	$	0.03		$	806		$	0.03		$	808	$	0.03	$	797
	Third quarter	$	0.03		$	805		$	0.03		$	807	$	0.03	$	798
	Fourth quarter	$	0.03		$	815		$	0.03		$	807	$	0.03	$	797
	Stockholders’ Rights Plan
	Prior to April 30, 2011, the Company had in place a stockholders’ rights plan; however, the plan expired by its terms on April 30, 2011 and was not renewed.
	Treasury Stock
	The Company has a program to repurchase its Common Stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. In 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized stock repurchases of up to $25.0 million; and in 2005, an additional $50.0 million was authorized for a total of $75.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had purchased 1,618,150 shares for an aggregate cost of $56.8 million, leaving $18.2 million available for repurchase under the current buyback program. The program has no expiration date but may be terminated at any time at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Repurchases may be made using the Company’s cash reserves or other available sources. No shares were repurchased by the Company in 2013, 2012, or 2011.

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	SHARE‑BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock Awards
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding stock options granted under the 2000 Non‑Qualified Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Stock Option Plan and outstanding restricted stock units granted under the 2005 Ownership Incentive Plan (“the 2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan superseded the Company’s 2000 Non‑Qualified Stock Option Plan and 2002 Stock Option Plan with respect to future awards and, as amended, provides for the granting of 2.2 million shares, which may be awarded as incentive and nonqualified stock options, Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, or restricted stock units. Any outstanding stock options under the 2000 or 2002 stock option plans which are forfeited or otherwise unexercised will be included in the shares available for grant under the 2005 Plan. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had not elected to treat any exercised options as employer SARs and no employee SARs had been granted. No stock options have been granted since 2004.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock award program is presented below:
		Units
	Outstanding – January 1, 2013	1,281,480
	Granted	313,550
	Vested	(149,620	)
	Forfeited	(1,950	)
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013	1,443,460
	The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors granted restricted stock units under the 2005 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 as follows:
		Units		Weighted‑Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	2013	313,550		$27.71
	2012	394,900		$14.55
	2011	334,700		$22.49
	The fair value of restricted stock awards that vested in 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $1.8 million, $4.3 million, and $3.9 million, respectively. Unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2013 was $15.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of three years.
	Stock Options
	A summary of the Company’s stock option program is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted‑			Weighted‑		Intrinsic
		Under Option(1)			Average			Average		Value(2)
					Exercise Price			Remaining		(in thousands)
								Contractual
								Term
								(in years)
	Outstanding – January 1, 2013	240,425			$	27.4
	Granted	—
	Exercised	(99,195	)		29.1
	Forfeited	(105,500	)		25.23
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013(1)	35,730			$	29.1		0.1		164
	-1	Options outstanding are vested and available to be exercised. All options outstanding at December 31, 2013 were exercised or forfeited as of January 31, 2014.
	-2	The intrinsic value for each option represents the excess, if any, of the market value of the Company’s Common Stock on December 31, 2013 over the exercise price of the option.
	The following table summarizes additional activity related to the Company’s stock option program for the years ended December 31:
		2013				2012			2011
						(in thousands)
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	330			$	—		$	79
	Cash proceeds of options exercised	$	2,785			$	—		$	763
	Tax benefit of options exercised	$	109			$	—		$	30

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	15,811		$	(7,732	)	$	6,159
	Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	(720		)	(149		)	(249		)
	Adjusted net income (loss)	$	15,091		$	(7,881	)	$	5,910
	Denominator:
	Weighted‑average shares	25,714,205			25,564,752			25,403,073
	Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.59		$	(0.31	)	$	0.23
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	15,811		$	(7,732	)	$	6,159
	Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	(720		)	(149		)	(249		)
	Adjusted net income (loss)	$	15,091		$	(7,881	)	$	5,910
	Denominator:
	Weighted‑average shares	25,714,205			25,564,752			25,403,073
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			—			—
	Adjusted weighted‑average shares and assumed conversions	25,714,205			25,564,752			25,403,073
	Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.59		$	(0.31	)	$	0.23
	Under the two‑class method of calculating earnings per share, dividends paid and a portion of undistributed net income, but not losses, are allocated to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units, which are considered participating securities. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011, outstanding stock awards of 0.8 million and 0.9 million, respectively, were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculations because their inclusion would have the effect of increasing the earnings per share. For the year ended December 31, 2012, outstanding stock awards of 0.7 million were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have the effect of decreasing the loss per share.

OPERATING_SEGMENT_DATA

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
OPERATING SEGMENT DATA	'
	OPERATING SEGMENT DATA
	The Company uses the “management approach” to determine its reportable operating segments, as well as to determine the basis of reporting the operating segment information. The management approach focuses on financial information that the Company’s management uses to make operating decisions. Management uses operating revenues, operating expense categories, operating ratios, operating income, and key operating statistics to evaluate performance and allocate resources to the Company’s operations.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation. Effective July 1, 2013, the Company formed a new operating segment, Domestic & Global Transportation Management, combining the Company’s transportation brokerage operations, worldwide ocean shipping solutions, and transportation and warehouse management services. The strategic alignment of the sales and logistics functions related to these services into one reportable segment under a single executive management operating team better supports the delivery of these solutions and allows customers to gain greater awareness for these service offerings in an evolving marketplace. The Company’s transportation brokerage operations were previously reported as the Truck Brokerage and Management segment and the worldwide ocean shipping solutions and transportation and warehouse management services were previously reported within the Freight Transportation segment as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. There was no impact on consolidated amounts as a result of these reclassifications.
	The Company’s reportable operating segments are as follows:
	•	Freight Transportation, the Company’s principal operating segment, includes the results of operations of ABF Freight System, Inc. and certain other subsidiaries of the Company (collectively “ABF Freight”). The operations of ABF Freight include, national, inter‑regional, and regional transportation of general commodities through standard, expedited, and guaranteed LTL services. Freight transportation related to consumer household goods self‑move services provided by ABF Freight are also reported in the Freight Transportation segment. ABF Freight is headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The ABF Freight transportation system operates throughout North America, providing direct service to over 98% of the cities in the United States having a population of 30,000 or more. ABF Freight also provides motor carrier services in Canada, Puerto Rico, and, through arrangements with other trucking companies, Mexico.
	•	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services includes the results of operations of Panther, which the Company acquired on June 15, 2012 (see Note D). The segment provides expedited freight transportation services to commercial and government customers and offers premium logistics services that involve the rapid deployment of highly specialized equipment to meet extremely specific linehaul requirements, such as temperature control, hazardous materials, geofencing (routing a shipment across a mandatory, defined route with satellite monitoring and automated alerts concerning any deviation from the route), specialized government cargo, security services, and life sciences. Through its premium logistics and global freight forwarding businesses, Panther offers domestic and international freight transportation with air, ocean, and ground service offerings. The segment provides services to the Freight Transportation and Domestic & Global Transportation Management segments. Revenue and expense associated with these intersegment transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	•	Domestic & Global Transportation Management, operating as ABF Logistics, Inc., includes the results of operations of the Company’s businesses which provide freight brokerage and intermodal transportation services, worldwide ocean shipping solutions, and transportation and warehouse management services. The Domestic & Global Transportation Management segment provides third‑party transportation brokerage and management services throughout North America by sourcing a variety of equipment types including truckload, flatbed, intermodal, temperature‑controlled, and specialized equipment. The segment also offers full‑container‑load and expedited less‑than‑container‑load ocean transport to and from the United States and scalable transportation and warehouse management services that can be customized to efficiently manage customers’ supply chain needs.
	•	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance includes the results of operations of FleetNet America, Inc., the subsidiary of the Company that provides roadside assistance and equipment services for commercial vehicles through a network of third‑party service providers.
	•	Household Goods Moving Services includes the results of operations of Albert Companies, Inc. and Moving Solutions, Inc., the Company’s subsidiaries that provide transportation, warehousing, and delivery services to the consumer, corporate, and military household goods moving markets. For 2013, the Household Goods Moving Services segment includes the results of the logistics company acquired by Albert Companies, Inc. on May 31, 2013 (see Note D). Certain costs incurred by the Household Goods Moving Services segment in support of consumer self‑move services provided by ABF Freight are allocated to the Freight Transportation segment at cost. Revenue and expense associated with these intersegment allocations are eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company’s other business activities and operating segments that are not reportable include Arkansas Best Corporation, the parent holding company, and certain other subsidiaries. A substantial portion of the costs incurred by the parent holding company are allocated to the reporting segments. The Company eliminates intercompany transactions in consolidation. However, the information used by the Company’s management with respect to its reportable segments is before intersegment eliminations of revenues and expenses.
	Further classifications of operations or revenues by geographic location are impracticable and, therefore, are not provided. The Company’s foreign operations are not significant.
	The following table reflects reportable operating segment information for the years ended December 31:
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	OPERATING REVENUES
	Freight Transportation(1)	$	1,761,716		$	1,701,495		$	1,714,232
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(2)	246,849			132,326			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	105,223			66,431			41,966
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	137,546			115,968			92,554
	Household Goods Moving Services	82,169			77,619			85,611
	Other and eliminations	(33,954		)	(27,840		)	(26,754		)
	Total consolidated operating revenues	$	2,299,549		$	2,065,999		$	1,907,609
	OPERATING EXPENSES
	Freight Transportation(1)
	Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	1,075,259		$	1,071,084		$	1,059,815
	Fuel, supplies, and expenses	332,433			329,284			333,242
	Operating taxes and licenses	43,865			43,336			45,469
	Insurance	21,823			20,742			24,481
	Communications and utilities	15,027			14,713			15,106
	Depreciation and amortization	72,971			78,672			70,767
	Rents and purchased transportation	180,689			156,810			154,363
	Gain on sale of property and equipment	(576		)	(711		)	(2,370		)
	Pension settlement expense	1,831			—			1,125
	Other	8,361			7,365			8,297
	Total Freight Transportation	1,751,683			1,721,295			1,710,295
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(2)
	Purchased transportation	188,561			101,559			—
	Depreciation and amortization	10,516			5,438			—
	Other	40,816			22,927			—
	Total Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	239,893			129,924			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	102,250			63,418			40,404
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	134,272			114,033			89,572
	Household Goods Moving Services	80,319			76,927			82,893
	Other and eliminations(3)	(27,938		)	(25,030		)	(25,314		)
	Total consolidated operating expenses	$	2,280,479		$	2,080,567		$	1,897,850
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
	Freight Transportation(1)	$	10,033		$	(19,800	)	$	3,937
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(2)	6,956			2,402			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	2,973			3,013			1,562
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	3,274			1,935			2,982
	Household Goods Moving Services	1,850			692			2,718
	Other and eliminations(3)	(6,016		)	(2,810		)	(1,440		)
	Total consolidated operating income (loss)	$	19,070		$	(14,568	)	$	9,759
	OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
	Interest and dividend income(2)	$	681		$	808		$	1,069
	Interest expense and other related financing costs(2)	(4,183		)	(5,273		)	(3,953		)
	Other, net(4)	3,893			2,041			2,618
	Total other income (expense)	391			(2,424		)	(266		)
	INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	19,461		$	(16,992	)	$	9,493
	-1	As previously discussed in this Note, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation which includes the Domestic & Global Transportation Management segment formed in third quarter 2013. The measurement of operating income for the Domestic & Global Transportation Management operating segment was changed in 2013 to include certain intercompany cost allocations. While it is impracticable to recalculate the cost allocations for all prior year periods, management estimated such amounts to be approximately $0.6 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011. If the segment information was presented on a comparable basis for all periods, Domestic & Global Transportation Management operating expenses would increase by $0.6 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011 with corresponding decreases in operating income for those years, and Freight Transportation operating expenses would decrease by the same amounts with corresponding increases in operating income for those years.
	-2	Includes operations of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment since the June 15, 2012 acquisition of Panther.
	-3	2013 includes workers’ compensation expense reserve increase associated with an insolvent insurance carrier and costs of long‑term incentive plans that were driven by the Company’s total shareholder return relative to its peer group.
	-4	Includes changes in cash surrender value and proceeds of life insurance policies.
The following table provides asset, capital expenditure, and depreciation and amortization information by reportable operating segment:
	December 31
	2013			2012			2011
				(in thousands)
ASSETS
Freight Transportation(1)	$	530,678		$	550,676		$	590,777
Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	216,747			222,280			—
Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	27,836			15,437			8,131
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	21,517			18,413			13,634
Household Goods Moving Services	20,941			21,754			20,687
Other and eliminations(1)(2)	199,607			205,902			282,991
	$	1,017,326		$	1,034,462		$	916,220
	For the year ended December 31
	2013			2012			2011
				(in thousands)
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS
Freight Transportation(1)(3)	$	11,091		$	68,235		$	78,875
Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(4)	3,854			1,579			—
Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	286			45			163
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	1,314			685			307
Household Goods Moving Services	493			416			480
Other and eliminations	9,367			4,291			3,812
	$	26,405		$	75,251		$	83,637
	For the year ended December 31
	2013			2012			2011
				(in thousands)
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE(2)
Freight Transportation(1)	$	72,971		$	78,672		$	70,767
Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(4)(5)	6,342			3,179			—
Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	640			364			197
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	540			497			476
Household Goods Moving Services	1,247			769			645
Other and eliminations	2,475			2,012			1,657
	$	84,215		$	85,493		$	73,742
-1	As previously discussed in this Note, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation which includes the Domestic & Global Transportation Management segment that was formed in third quarter 2013.
-2	Other and eliminations includes certain assets held by the parent holding company for strategic reasons, including unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments, as well as certain assets held for the benefit of multiple segments, including land and structures of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information systems equipment. Depreciation and amortization associated with these assets is allocated to the reporting segments. Depreciation and amortization expense includes amortization of internally developed capitalized software which has not been included in gross capital expenditures presented in the table.
-3	Includes assets acquired through notes payable and capital leases of less than $0.1 million in 2013, $38.0 million in 2012, and $30.4 million in 2011.
-4	Includes operations of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment since the June 15, 2012 acquisition of Panther.
-5	Excludes amortization of intangibles which totaled $4.2 million in 2013 and $2.3 million in 2012 (see Note E).

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)	'
	QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
	The tables below present unaudited quarterly financial information for 2013 and 2012:
		2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Operating revenues	$	520,687		$	576,899		$	623,414		$	578,549
	Operating expenses	544,037			568,482			602,912			565,047
	Operating income (loss)	(23,350		)	8,417			20,502			13,502
	Other income (expense), net	47			(552		)	502			393
	Income tax provision (benefit)	(9,908		)	2,987			7,022			3,549
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	(13,395	)	$	4,878		$	13,982		$	10,346
	Earnings (loss) per common share(4)
	Basic	$	(0.52	)	$	0.18		$	0.52		$	0.38
	Diluted	$	(0.52	)	$	0.18		$	0.52		$	0.38
	Average common shares outstanding
	Basic	25,638,333			25,694,327			25,736,810			25,785,485
	Diluted	25,638,333			25,694,327			25,736,810			25,793,366
		2012
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter(1)			Quarter(1)			Quarter(1)
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Operating revenues	$	440,867		$	510,543		$	577,546		$	537,042
	Operating expenses	463,854			503,342			565,313			548,058
	Operating income (loss)	(22,987		)	7,201			12,233			(11,016		)
	Other income (expense), net	451			(1,117		)	(457		)	(1,300		)
	Income tax provision (benefit)(2)	(4,374		)	(5,757		)	5,258			(4,387		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation(3)	$	(18,162	)	$	11,841		$	6,518		$	(7,929	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share(4)
	Basic	$	(0.71	)	$	0.44		$	0.24		$	(0.31	)
	Diluted	$	(0.71	)	$	0.44		$	0.24		$	(0.31	)
	Average common shares outstanding
	Basic	25,455,607			25,544,455			25,613,315			25,629,309
	Diluted	25,455,607			25,544,455			25,613,315			25,629,309
	-1	Includes operations of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment since the June 15, 2012 acquisition of Panther.
	-2	The income tax benefit rates recorded in the first and second quarters of 2012 were significantly affected by changes in the assessment of deferred tax asset valuation allowances as more fully discussed at Note F.
	-3	The fourth quarter of 2012 included an adjustment of $2.7 million, after tax, which is immaterial to prior periods, to correct the reserves for workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims.
	-4	The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share (see Note M).

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS_ENVIRONMENTA

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS	'
	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS
	The Company is involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company maintains liability insurance against certain risks arising out of the normal course of its business, subject to certain self‑insured retention limits. The Company routinely establishes and reviews the adequacy of reserves for estimated legal, environmental, and self‑insurance exposures. While management believes that amounts accrued in the consolidated financial statements are adequate, estimates of these liabilities may change as circumstances develop. Considering amounts recorded, these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Environmental Matters
	The Company’s subsidiaries store fuel for use in tractors and trucks in 65 underground tanks located in 20 states. Maintenance of such tanks is regulated at the federal and, in most cases, state levels. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all such regulations. The Company’s underground storage tanks are required to have leak detection systems. The Company is not aware of any leaks from such tanks that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
	The Company has received notices from the Environmental Protection Agency and others that it has been identified as a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, or other federal or state environmental statutes, at several hazardous waste sites. After investigating the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ involvement in waste disposal or waste generation at such sites, the Company has either agreed to de minimis settlements or determined that its obligations, other than those specifically accrued with respect to such sites, would involve immaterial monetary liability, although there can be no assurances in this regard.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s reserve for estimated environmental cleanup costs of properties currently or previously operated by the Company totaled $0.9 million, which was included in accrued expenses. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites.
	Legal Proceedings
	National Master Freight Agreement
	On November 1, 2010, ABF Freight System, Inc. filed a grievance with the National Grievance Committee, consisting of union and employer representatives established by the NMFA for resolving national contract disputes, against the following parties: the IBT; the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee; Trucking Management, Inc. (“TMI”); every Teamster Local Union that is party to the NMFA; and YRC Inc., New Penn Motor Express, Inc., and USF Holland, Inc. (collectively “YRC”). A lawsuit was simultaneously filed in the United States District Court for the Western Division of Arkansas (the “Trial Court”) against the parties previously named and Teamster Local Unions 373 and 878 individually and as representatives of a class of Teamsters Local Unions that are parties to the NMFA. The lawsuit sought appointment of a third‑party neutral tribunal to rule on the grievance in place of the National Grievance Committee or, alternatively, for the Trial Court to rule on the lawsuit. ABF Freight System, Inc. claimed in these proceedings that the IBT and the other named parties violated the NMFA by granting certain wage and other concessions to YRC but not to ABF. The lawsuit was initially dismissed by the Trial Court on December 20, 2010 and then reinstated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (St. Louis) (the “Court of Appeals”) on April 12, 2011. On July 6, 2011, the Court of Appeals reversed the Trial Court’s decision and remanded the case to the Trial Court for further proceedings. On August 1, 2012, the Trial Court dismissed the lawsuit for a second time. ABF Freight System, Inc. appealed the dismissal to the Court of Appeals, but on August 30, 2013, the Court of Appeals affirmed the Trial Court’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit. ABF elected not to pursue additional appeals and the lawsuit is now concluded.

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES	'
	SCHEDULE II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
	ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION
	Column A	Column B		Column C				Column D			Column E			Column F
				Additions
	Description	Balances at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses				Charged to			Deductions – Describe			Balances at End of Period
								Other Accounts – Describe
		(in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Deducted from asset accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and revenue adjustments	$	5,249	$	2,065			$	39		$	2,820	(b)	$	4,533
	Allowance for other accounts receivable	$	1,334	$	88		(c)	$	—		$	—		$	1,422
	Allowance for deferred tax assets	$	2,511	$	—			$	—		$	1,483	(e)	$	1,028
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Deducted from asset accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and revenue adjustments	$	5,957	$	1,524			$	26		$	2,258	(b)	$	5,249
	Allowance for other accounts receivable	$	1,226	$	108		(c)	$	—		$	—		$	1,334
	Allowance for deferred tax assets	$	5,644	$	791			$	47		$	3,971	(f)	$	2,511
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Deducted from asset accounts:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and revenue adjustments	$	3,944	$	2,394			$	2,667	(a)	$	3,048	(b)	$	5,957
	Allowance for other accounts receivable	$	1,254	$	(28	)	(c)	$	—		$	—		$	1,226
	Allowance for deferred tax assets	$	2,455	$	214			$	3,971	(d)	$	996	(e)	$	5,644
	Note a	–	Addition to the allowance due to recoveries of amounts previously written off and adjustment of revenue.
	Note b	–	Uncollectible accounts written off.
	Note c	–	Charged / (credited) to workers’ compensation expense.
	Note d	–	Increase in allowance related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (see Note F to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10‑K).
	Note e	–	Decrease in allowance due to a combination of changes in expectation of increased realization of certain state net operating losses and state deferred tax assets.
	Note f	–	Decrease in allowance due to change in expectation of realization of deferred tax assets primarily due to deferred tax liabilities established in conjunction with the Panther Expedited Services, Inc. purchase transaction (see Note F to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10‑K).

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Policies

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information: The Company uses the “management approach” for determining its reportable segment information. The management approach is based on the way management organizes the reportable segments within the Company for making operating decisions and assessing performance.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments	'
	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short‑Term Investments: Short‑term investments that have a maturity of ninety days or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Variable rate demand notes are classified as cash equivalents, as the investments may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer. Short‑term investments consist of FDIC‑insured certificates of deposit with original maturities ranging from ninety‑one days to one year. Interest and dividends related to cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments are included in interest and dividend income.
Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments	'
	Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short‑Term Investments: Cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments that are pledged as collateral, primarily for the Company’s outstanding letters of credit, are classified as restricted. The Company’s letters of credit are primarily issued in support of certain workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims liabilities in various states in which the Company is self‑insured. The restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments are classified consistent with the classification of the liabilities to which they relate and in accordance with the duration of the letters of credit.
	Restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments consisted of cash deposits at December 31, 2013 and cash deposits and certificates of deposit at December 31, 2012. Changes in the amount of restricted funds are reflected as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk: The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk related to the portion of its unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments which is not federally insured, as further discussed in Note C.
	The Company’s services are provided primarily to customers throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, Canada. On a consolidated basis, the Company had no single customer representing more than 5% of its revenues in 2013 and 2012 or more than 5% of its accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. Historically, credit losses have been within management’s expectations.
Allowances	'
	Allowances: The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts, revenue adjustments, and deferred tax assets. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts represents an estimate of potential accounts receivable write‑offs associated with recognized revenue based on historical trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company writes off accounts receivable when accounts are turned over to a collection agency or when determined to be uncollectible. Receivables written off are charged against the allowance. The Company’s allowance for revenue adjustments represents an estimate of potential adjustments associated with recognized revenue based upon historical trends and current information regarding trends and business changes. The Company’s valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the benefits of its deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected future taxable income, or tax‑planning strategies.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Including Repairs and Maintenance	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Including Repairs and Maintenance: The Company utilizes tractors and trailers in its Freight Transportation operations. Tractors and trailers are commonly referred to as “revenue equipment” in the transportation business. Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. For financial reporting purposes, property, plant and equipment is depreciated principally by the straight‑line method, using the following lives: structures – primarily 15 to 20 years; revenue equipment – 3 to 12 years; and other equipment – 2 to 15 years. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or cost recovery methods are used. Gains and losses on asset sales are reflected in the year of disposal. Exchanges of nonmonetary assets that have commercial substance are measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a part of the cost of such equipment, with replacement tires being expensed when placed in service. Repair and maintenance costs associated with property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred if the costs do not extend the useful life of the asset. If such costs do extend the useful life of the asset, the costs are capitalized and depreciated over the appropriate remaining useful life.
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, Including Web Site Development Costs	'
	Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, Including Web Site Development Costs: The Company capitalizes the costs of software acquired from third parties and qualifying internal computer software costs incurred during the “application development stage.” For financial reporting purposes, capitalized software costs are amortized by the straight‑line method generally over 2 to 3 years with some applications, including the acquired software of Panther, having longer lives (up to 7 years) as applicable. The amount of costs capitalized within any period is dependent on the nature of software development activities and projects in each period.
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment Assessment of Long‑Lived Assets: The Company reviews its long‑lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and capitalized software, which are held and used in its operations, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If such an event or change in circumstances is present, the Company will estimate the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the related asset, the Company will recognize an impairment loss. The Company records impairment losses in operating income or loss.
	Assets to be disposed of are reclassified as assets held for sale at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Assets held for sale primarily represent ABF Freight’s nonoperating properties, older revenue equipment, and other equipment. Adjustments to write down assets to fair value less the amount of costs to sell are reported in operating income or loss. Assets held for sale are expected to be disposed of by selling the assets within the next 12 months. Gains and losses on property and equipment are reported in operating income or loss. Assets held for sale, which consisted primarily of older revenue equipment, of $0.4 million and $1.0 million are reported within other noncurrent assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, management was not aware of any events or circumstances indicating the Company’s long‑lived assets would not be recoverable.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Asset Retirement Obligations: The Company records estimated liabilities for the cost to remove underground storage tanks, dispose of tires, and return leased real property to its original condition at the end of a lease term. The liabilities are discounted using the Company’s credit adjusted risk‑free rate. Revisions to these liabilities for such costs may occur due to changes in the estimates for fuel tank removal costs, tire disposal fees, and real property lease restoration costs; changes in estimates of the timing of incurring asset retirement costs; or changes in regulations or agreements affecting these obligations. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s estimated asset retirement obligations totaled $2.5 million.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price in a business combination over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. The Company’s measurement of goodwill impairment involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an estimate of the current fair values of all assets and liabilities is made to determine the amount of implied goodwill and, consequently, the amount of any goodwill impairment.
	Indefinite‑lived intangible assets are also not amortized but rather are evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Fair values are determined based on a discounted cash flow model, similar to the goodwill analysis.
	The Company’s annual impairment testing is performed as of October 1.
	The Company amortizes finite‑lived intangible assets over their respective estimated useful lives. Finite‑lived intangible assets are also evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In reviewing finite‑lived intangible assets for impairment, the carrying amount of the asset is compared to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If such cash flows are not sufficient to support the recorded value, an impairment loss to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value shall be recognized in operating income or loss.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes: Deferred income taxes are accounted for under the liability method, which takes into account the differences between the tax basis of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts recognized for income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes relate principally to asset and liability basis differences resulting from the timing of the depreciation and cost recovery deductions and to temporary differences in the recognition of certain revenues and expenses. The Company classifies interest and penalty amounts related to income tax matters as interest expense and operating expenses, respectively.
	Management applies considerable judgment in determining the consolidated income tax provision, including valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is determined by evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the benefits of deferred tax assets will be realized through future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years, projected future taxable income, or tax‑planning strategies. Uncertain tax positions are then measured to determine the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements. The income tax provision and valuation allowances are complicated by complex and frequently changing rules administered in multiple jurisdictions, including U.S. federal, state, and foreign governments.
Claims Liabilities	'
	Claims Liabilities: The Company is self‑insured up to certain limits for workers’ compensation, certain third‑party casualty claims, and cargo loss and damage claims. Amounts in excess of the self‑insured limits are fully insured to levels which management considers appropriate for the Company’s operations. The Company’s claims liabilities have not been discounted.
	Liabilities for self‑insured workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims are based on the case reserve amounts plus an estimate of loss development and incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims, which is developed from an independent actuarial analysis. The process of determining reserve requirements utilizes historical trends and involves an evaluation of claim frequency and severity, claims management, and other factors. Case reserves established in prior years are evaluated as loss experience develops and new information becomes available. Adjustments to previously estimated reserves are reflected in financial results in the periods in which they are made. Aggregate reserves represent an estimate of the costs of claims incurred, and it is possible that the ultimate liability may differ significantly from such estimates.
	The Company is entitled to recover, from insurance carriers, amounts which have been previously paid by the Company for claims above the self‑insurance retention level. These amounts are included in other accounts receivable, net of allowances for potentially unrecoverable amounts. The Company’s excess insurers for workers’ compensation claims above the self‑insured retention level for the 1993 through 2001 policy years are insolvent. For claims that are related to these excess insurers and that are not accepted by state guaranty funds, the Company has recorded an allowance for uncollectible receivables and additional liabilities for excess claims based upon available financial information. Receivables, net of related allowances, totaled $1.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 for workers’ compensation excess claims paid by the Company but insured by these excess insurers. Liabilities for workers’ compensation excess claims insured by, but not expected to be covered by, these excess insurers totaled $2.7 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and were reported within accrued expenses.
	The Company develops an estimate of self‑insured cargo loss and damage claims liabilities based on historical trends and certain event‑specific information.
Insurance-Related Assessments	'
	Insurance‑Related Assessments: Liabilities for state guaranty fund assessments and other insurance‑related assessments totaled $1.0 million and $1.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Management has estimated the amounts incurred using the best available information regarding premiums and guaranty assessments by state. These amounts are expected to be paid within a period not to exceed one year. The liabilities recorded have not been discounted.
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long‑Term Debt: Long‑term debt consisted of a secured term loan (the “Term Loan”) outstanding under the Company’s credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), notes payable, and capital lease obligations, as further described in Note H.
Leases	'
	Leases: The Company leases, under capital and operating lease arrangements, certain facilities, revenue equipment, and certain other equipment used primarily in ABF Freight’s terminal operations. Certain of these leases contain fluctuating or escalating payments. The related rent expense is recorded on a straight‑line basis over the lease term. The cumulative excess of rent expense over rent payments is accounted for as a deferred lease obligation. For financial reporting purposes, leasehold improvements associated with assets utilized under capital or operating leases are amortized by the straight‑line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the asset’s useful life. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Obligations under the capital lease arrangements are included in long‑term debt, net of the current portion due, which is classified in current liabilities.
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans	'
	Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Benefit Plans: The Company recognizes the funded status (the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation) of its nonunion defined benefit pension plan, supplemental benefit plan (“SBP”), and postretirement health benefit plan in the balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status, net of tax, in the year in which they occur as a component of other comprehensive income or loss. Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income or loss are subsequently expensed as components of net periodic benefit cost by amortizing unrecognized net actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and amortizing unrecognized prior service credits over the remaining years of service until full eligibility of the active participants at the time of the plan amendment. A corridor approach is not used for determining the amounts of net actuarial losses to be amortized.
	The expense and liability related to the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plan are measured based upon a number of assumptions and using the services of a third‑party actuary. Assumptions are made regarding expected retirement age, mortality, employee turnover, and future increases in health care costs. The assumptions with the greatest impact on the Company’s expense are the discount rate used to discount the plans’ obligations and, for the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the expected return on plan assets and, prior to the June 30, 2013 curtailment of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the assumed compensation cost increase. The discount rate is determined by matching projected cash distributions with appropriate high‑quality corporate bond yields in a yield curve analysis. The Company establishes the expected long‑term rate of return on plan assets by considering the historical returns for the plan’s current investment mix and the plan investment advisor’s range of expected returns for the plan’s current investment mix. Prior to the June 30, 2013 curtailment of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan, the Company established the assumed rate of compensation increase at the measurement date by considering historical changes in compensation combined with an estimate of compensation rates for the subsequent two years.
	The assumptions used directly impact the net periodic benefit cost for a particular year. An actuarial gain or loss results if actual results vary from the assumptions. Actuarial gains and losses are not included in net periodic benefit cost in the period when they arise but are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income or loss and subsequently amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.
	The Company uses December 31 as the measurement date for its nonunion defined benefit pension plan, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plan. Plan obligations are also remeasured upon curtailment and upon settlement.
	The Company records quarterly pension settlement expense related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan when qualifying distributions determined to be settlements are expected to exceed the estimated total annual service and interest cost of the plan. Benefit distributions under the SBP individually exceed the annual interest cost of the plan, and the Company records the related settlement expense when the amount of the benefit to be distributed is fixed, which is generally upon an employee’s termination of employment. Pension settlement expense for the nonunion defined benefit pension and SBP plans is presented in Note J.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition: Freight Transportation revenue is recognized based on relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Freight Transportation’s bill‑by‑bill analysis is used to establish estimates of revenue in transit for recognition in the appropriate reporting period. Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services and Domestic & Global Transportation Management revenue is recognized based on the delivery of the shipment. Service fee revenue for the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment is recognized upon occurrence of the service event. Repair revenue and expenses for the Emergency & Preventative Maintenance segment are recognized at the completion of the service by third‑party vendors. Household Goods Moving Services revenue is recognized upon completion of the shipment, which is defined as delivery to the storage destination or to the customer‑designated location.
	Revenue, purchased transportation expense, and third‑party service expenses are reported on a gross basis for certain shipments and services where the Company utilizes a third‑party carrier for pickup, linehaul, delivery of freight, or performance of services but remains the primary obligor and assumes collection and credit risks.
Comprehensive Income or Loss	'
	Comprehensive Income or Loss: Other comprehensive income or loss refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are included in comprehensive income or loss but excluded from net income or loss. The Company reports the components of other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, by their nature and discloses the tax effect allocated to each component in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The accumulated balance of other comprehensive income or loss is displayed separately in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and the components of the balance are reported in Note K. The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, and the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss are disclosed, by component, in Note K.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share: The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share. The calculation is based on the weighted‑average number of common shares (basic earnings per share) or common equivalent shares outstanding (diluted earnings per share) during the applicable period, and also considers the effect of participating securities such as share‑based compensation awards which are paid dividends during the vesting period. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents is excluded from basic earnings per common share and included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share‑Based Compensation: The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based upon the closing market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock awards generally vest at the end of a five‑year period following the date of grant, except for certain awards granted to non‑employee directors that typically vest at the end of a three‑year period, subject to accelerated vesting due to death, disability, retirement, or change‑in‑control provisions. When restricted stock awards become vested, the Company issues new shares which are subsequently distributed. Dividends or dividend equivalents are paid on all restricted stock units during the vesting period. The Company recognizes the income tax benefits of dividends on share‑based payment awards as an increase in paid‑in capital.
	Share‑based awards are amortized to compensation expense on a straight‑line basis over the three‑year or five‑year vesting period or the period to which the recipient first becomes eligible for retirement, whichever is shorter, with vesting accelerated upon death or disability. Compensation expense reflects an estimate of shares expected to be forfeited over the service period. Estimated forfeitures, which are based on historical experience, are adjusted to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from these estimates.
	The Company has not granted stock options since January 2004. Stock options generally vest in equal amounts over a five‑year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of stock options. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated based on a Black‑Scholes‑Merton option pricing model that utilizes several assumptions, including expected volatility, weighted‑average life, and a risk‑free interest rate. Expected volatilities are estimated using the historical volatility of the Company’s stock, based upon the expected term of the option. The expected term of the option is derived from historical data and represents the period of time that options are estimated to be outstanding. The risk‑free interest rate for periods within the estimated life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury Strip rate in effect at the time of the grant.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements: The Company discloses the fair value measurements of its financial assets and liabilities. Fair value measurements for investments held in trust for the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan are also disclosed. Fair value measurements are disclosed in accordance with the following hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs of market data and market assumptions used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable:
	•	Level 1 –	Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2 –	Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Level 3 –	Unobservable inputs (Company’s market assumptions) that are significant to the valuation model.
Environmental Matters	'
	Environmental Matters: The Company expenses environmental expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures which extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. Amounts accrued reflect management’s best estimate of the future undiscounted exposure related to identified properties based on current environmental regulations, management’s experience with similar environmental matters, and testing performed at certain sites. The estimated liability is not reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers or other third parties.
Exit or Disposal Activities	'
	Exit or Disposal Activities: The Company recognizes liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities when the liability is incurred.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Variable Interest Entities: The Company has no investments in or known contractual arrangements with variable interest entities.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_FAIR1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of financial instruments and the methods and assumptions used in estimating fair value disclosures	'
	The following table presents the components of cash and cash equivalents, short‑term investments, and restricted funds:
		December 31		December 31
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash deposits(1)	$	63,547	$	48,293
	Variable rate demand notes(1)(2)	29,706		29,807
	Money market funds(3)	12,101		12,602
		$	105,354	$	90,702
	Short‑term investments
	Certificates of deposit(1)	$	35,906	$	29,054
	Restricted cash equivalents and short‑term investments(4)
	Cash deposits(1)	$	1,902	$	5,901
	Certificates of deposit(1)	—		3,757
		$	1,902	$	9,658
	-1	Recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
	-2	Amounts may be redeemed on a daily basis with the original issuer.
	-3	Recorded at fair value as determined by quoted market prices (see amounts presented in the table of financial assets measured at fair value within this Note).
	-4	Amounts restricted for use are subject to change based on the requirements of the Company’s collateralized facilities (see Note H).
Schedule of financial instruments disclosed at fair value	'
	The fair value of the Company’s Term Loan and notes payable debt obligations (see Note H) approximate the amounts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as presented in the following table:
		December 31				December 31
		2013				2012
		(in thousands)
		Carrying Value		Fair		Carrying		Fair
				Value		Value		Value
	Term Loan(1)	$	83,750	$	83,750	$	95,000	$	95,000
	Notes payable(2)	22,082		22,092		37,756		37,904
		$	105,832	$	105,842	$	132,756	$	132,904
	-1	The Term Loan, which was entered into on June 15, 2012, carries a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, plus a margin, that is considered to be priced at market for debt instruments having similar terms and collateral requirements (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).
	-2	Fair value of the notes payable was determined using a present value income approach based on quoted interest rates from lending institutions with which the Company would enter into similar transactions (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).
Schedule of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table presents the assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, based upon quoted prices for identical assets in active markets (Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy) as of December 31:
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Money market funds(1)	$	12,101	$	12,602
	Equity, bond, and money market mutual funds held in trust related to the Voluntary Savings Plan(2)	3,063		3,035
		$	15,164	$	15,637
	-1	Included in cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 and in cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents at December 31, 2012.
	-2	Nonqualified deferred compensation plan investments consist of U.S. and international equity mutual funds, government and corporate bond mutual funds, and money market funds which are held in a trust with a third‑party brokerage firm. Quoted market prices are used to determine fair values of the investments which are included in other long‑term assets, with a corresponding liability reported within other long‑term liabilities.

ACQUISITION_Tables

ACQUISITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of summarized fair values of acquired assets and liabilities at the acquisition date	'
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. Measurement period adjustments recorded to Panther’s goodwill during 2013 are presented in Note E.
		Purchase
		Allocation
		(in thousands)
	Accounts receivable	$	31,824
	Prepaid expenses	5,205
	Deferred income taxes	2,085
	Property and equipment (excluding acquired software)	5,678
	Software	31,600
	Intangible assets	79,000
	Other assets	3,866
	Total identifiable assets acquired	159,258
	Accounts payable	13,344
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	7,436
	Other liabilities	228
	Deferred income taxes	29,307
	Total liabilities	50,315
	Net identifiable assets acquired	108,943
	Goodwill	71,096
	Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	180,039
Schedule of unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations	'
	The following unaudited pro forma supplemental information presents the Company’s consolidated results of operations as if the Panther acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2011:
		Twelve Months Ended
		December 31
		2012			2011
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Operating revenues	$	2,171,075		$	2,141,057
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	(13,730	)	$	18,852
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	(9,180	)	$	11,938
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.36	)	$	0.45

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of goodwill by reportable operating segment	'
	Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill by reportable operating segment consisted of the following:
		Total				Household Goods				Premium Logistics
						Moving Services				& Expedited
										Freight Services
										(in thousands)
	Balances December 31, 2011	$	3,660			$	3,660			$	—
	Goodwill acquired - Panther	69,529				—				69,529
	Balances December 31, 2012	73,189				3,660				69,529
	Purchase accounting adjustments	1,567				—				1,567
	Goodwill acquired	1,692				1,692				—
	Balances December 31, 2013	$	76,448			$	5,352			$	71,096
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following for the years ended December 31:
								2013						2012
		Weighted‑Average		Cost				Accumulated				Net		Accumulated		Net
		Amortization Period						Amortization				Value		Amortization		Value
		(in years)						(in thousands)						(in thousands)
	Finite‑lived intangible assets
	Customer relationships	14		$	43,500			$	4,790			$	38,710	$	1,683	$	41,817
	Driver network	3		3,200				1,645				1,555		578		2,622
		13		46,700				6,435				40,265		2,261		44,439
	Indefinite‑lived intangible assets
	Trade name	N/A		32,300				N/A				32,300		N/A		32,300
	Other	N/A		2,822				N/A				2,822		N/A		2,822
				35,122				N/A				35,122		N/A		35,122
	Total intangible assets	N/A		$	81,822			$	6,435			$	75,387	$	2,261	$	79,561

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of significant components of the provision or benefit for income taxes	'
	Significant components of the provision or benefit for income taxes for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Current provision (benefit):
	Federal	$	12,739		$	—		$	(872	)
	State	865			694			487
	Foreign	413			405			489
		14,017			1,099			104
	Deferred provision (benefit):
	Federal	(10,335		)	(8,656		)	2,664
	State	160			(1,699		)	415
	Foreign	(192		)	(4		)	(23		)
		(10,367		)	(10,359		)	3,056
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,650		$	(9,260	)	$	3,160
Schedule of significant components of the deferred tax provision or benefit	'
	Significant components of the deferred tax provision or benefit for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property,	$	(13,137	)	$	137		$	15,059
	plant and equipment, other long‑lived assets
	Amortization of intangibles	(3,048		)	(1,604		)	—
	Changes in reserves for workers’ compensation and cargo claims	(1,751		)	(3,319		)	(970		)
	Revenue recognition	(1,704		)	(253		)	654
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	516			229			(705		)
	Foreign tax credit carryforward	71			(133		)	(240		)
	Nonunion pension and other retirement plans	3,493			702			(4,885		)
	Deferred compensation plans	530			669			853
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards	4,207			(2,538		)	(680		)
	State net operating loss carryforwards	254			(725		)	705
	State depreciation adjustments	569			20			(1,179		)
	Share‑based compensation	(1,437		)	(702		)	(941		)
	Valuation allowance decrease	(1,436		)	(3,180		)	(782		)
	Leases	612			806			(316		)
	Other accrued expenses	3,284			(1,586		)	(863		)
	Other	(1,390		)	1,118			(2,654		)
	Deferred tax provision (benefit)	$	(10,367	)	$	(10,359	)	$	3,056
Schedule of significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	50,311		$	51,715
	Pension liabilities	4,404			34,163
	Postretirement liabilities other than pensions	6,349			7,127
	Share‑based compensation	5,898			6,034
	Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	9,840			14,071
	Other	1,877			2,092
	Total deferred tax assets	78,679			115,202
	Valuation allowance	(1,028		)	(2,511		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	77,651			112,691
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property, plant and equipment,	61,673			73,558
	and other long‑lived assets
	Intangibles	34,385			37,282
	Revenue recognition	4,264			4,268
	Prepaid expenses	3,875			3,647
	Total deferred tax liabilities	104,197			118,755
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(26,546	)	$	(6,064	)
Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income or loss before income taxes, and the statutory federal income tax rate	'
	Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income or loss before income taxes, and the statutory federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31 is presented in the following table:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory federal rate	$	6,811		$	(5,947	)	$	3,323
	Federal income tax effects of:	0
	State income taxes	(359		)	352			(316		)
	Nondeductible expenses	1,090			1,415			1,079
	Life insurance proceeds and changes in cash surrender value	(1,320		)	(752		)	(906		)
	Dividends received deduction	(9		)	(5		)	—
	Alternative fuel tax credit	(1,935		)	—			(995		)
	Decrease in valuation allowances	(1,436		)	(3,180		)	(211		)
	Other	(440		)	(539		)	(182		)
	Federal income tax provision (benefit)	2,402			(8,656		)	1,792
	State income tax provision (benefit)	1,026			(1,005		)	902
	Foreign income tax provision	222			401			466
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,650		$	(9,260	)	$	3,160
	Effective tax (benefit) rate	18.8		%	(54.5		)%	33.3		%

OPERATING_LEASES_Tables

OPERATING LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'
Schedule of future minimum rental commitments for all noncancelable operating leases	'
	The future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2013 for all noncancelable operating leases were as follows:
		Total		Land and Structures		Equipment
						and
						Other
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	14,513	$	13,408	$	1,105
	2015	11,557		10,944		613
	2016	8,791		8,721		70
	2017	6,875		6,838		37
	2018	5,509		5,509		—
	Thereafter	13,136		13,136		—
		$	60,381	$	58,556	$	1,825

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_FINANCING_AR1

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt	'
	Long‑term debt consisted of a Term Loan under the Credit Agreement (further described in Financing Arrangements within this Note) and notes payable and capital lease obligations related to the financing of revenue equipment (tractors and trailers used primarily in ABF Freight’s operations), real estate, and certain other equipment as follows:
		December 31
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Term Loan (interest rate of 1.7% at December 31, 2013)	$	83,750		$	95,000
	Notes payable (weighted‑average interest rate of 3.0% at December 31, 2013)	22,082			37,756
	Capital lease obligations (weighted‑average interest rate of 4.8% at December 31, 2013)	7,013			23,229
		112,845			155,985
	Less current portion	31,513			43,044
	Long‑term debt, less current portion	$	81,332		$	112,941
Scheduled maturities under the Term Loan and notes payable and future minimum payments under capital lease obligations included in long-term debt	'
	Scheduled maturities under the Term Loan and notes payable and future minimum payments under capital lease obligations included in long‑term debt as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
								Notes Payable		Capital Lease Obligations(2)
					Term			Revenue		Revenue		Land and		Equipment
		Total			Loan(1)			Equipment		Equipment		Structures		and Other
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	33,659		$	15,178		$	15,561	$	2,425	$	200	$	295
	2015	28,467			17,716			7,033		3,061		206		451
	2016	19,313			19,100			—		—		213		—
	2017	37,121			36,902			—		—		219		—
	2018	226			—			—		—		226		—
	Thereafter	252			—			—		—		252		—
	Total payments	119,038			88,896			22,594		5,486		1,316		746
	Less amounts representing interest	6,193			5,146			512		284		215		36
	Long‑term debt	$	112,845		$	83,750		$	22,082	$	5,202	$	1,101	$	710
	-1	The future interest payments included in the scheduled maturities due under the Term Loan are calculated using variable interest rates based on the LIBOR swap curve, plus the anticipated applicable margin (see Term Loan within the Financing Arrangements section of this Note).
	-2	Minimum payments of capital lease obligations include maximum amounts due under rental adjustment clauses contained in the capital lease agreements.
Schedule of assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'
	Assets secured by notes payable or held under capital leases at December 31 were included in property, plant and equipment as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Revenue equipment	58,613			93,004
	Land and structures (terminals)	$	1,794		$	1,794
	Service, office, and other equipment	1,758			1,813
		3,552			3,607
	Less accumulated amortization(1)	26,847			35,183
	Net assets secured by notes payable or held under capital leases	$	(23,295	)	$	(31,576	)
	-1	Amortization of assets secured by notes payable or held under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Tables

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accrued expenses	'
		December 31
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Accrued compensation	$	22,734	$	15,841
	Accrued vacation pay	36,246		40,473
	Taxes other than income	7,418		7,366
	Workers’ compensation, third‑party casualty, and loss and damage claims reserves	92,166		86,969
	Other	15,058		8,019
		$	173,622	$	158,668

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation And Employee Benefit Plans Excluding Share Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of changes in funded status and accumulated benefit obligation of nonunion benefit plans	'
	The following table discloses the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets of the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for years ended December 31, the measurement date of the plans:
		Nonunion Defined								Supplemental						Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan								Benefit Plan						Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Change in benefit obligations
	Benefit obligations at beginning of year	$	260,950			$	244,402			$	7,213		$	7,620		$	18,308		$	17,553
	Service cost	4,734				9,189				—			—			331			315
	Interest cost	7,784				8,692				150			210			751			749
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(10,797		)		15,893				(271		)	509			(2,484		)	277
	Benefits paid	(22,486		)		(17,226		)		—			(1,126		)	(588		)	(586		)
	Curtailment gain	(29,262		)		—				—			—			—			—
	Settlement loss	737				—				—			—			—			—
	Benefit obligations at end of year	211,660				260,950				7,092			7,213			16,318			18,308
	Change in plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning	181,225				161,249				—			—			—			—
	of year
	Actual return on plan assets	31,074				19,202				—			—			—			—
	Employer contributions	17,800				18,000				—			1,126			588			586
	Benefits paid	(22,486		)		(17,226		)		—			(1,126		)	(588		)	(586		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	207,613				181,225				—			—			—			—
	Funded status	$	(4,047	)		$	(79,725	)		$	(7,092	)	$	(7,213	)	$	(16,318	)	$	(18,308	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	211,660			$	230,305			$	7,092		$	7,213		$	16,318		$	18,308
Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets related to nonunion benefit plans	'
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 consisted of the following:
		Nonunion Defined								Supplemental						Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan								Benefit Plan						Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current liabilities (included in accrued expenses)	$	—			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	(610	)	$	(573	)
	Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and postretirement liabilities)	(4,047		)		(79,725		)		(7,092		)	(7,213		)	(15,708		)	(17,735		)
	Liabilities recognized	$	(4,047	)		$	(79,725	)		$	(7,092	)	$	(7,213	)	$	(16,318	)	$	(18,308	)
Summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost	'
	The following is a summary of the components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for the years ended December 31:
		Nonunion Defined											Supplemental									Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan											Benefit Plan									Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2011			2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	4,734			$	9,189			$	8,655		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	331		$	315		$	224
	Interest cost	7,784				8,692				9,954			150			210			386			751			749			781
	Expected return on	(13,313		)		(12,063		)		(12,584		)	—			—			—			—			—			—
	plan assets
	Amortization of prior	—				—				—			—			—			—			(190		)	(190		)	(190		)
	service credit
	Pension settlement expense	2,111				—				—			—			—			1,125			—			—			—
	Amortization of net	7,140				10,767				6,921			260			202			328			535			416			112
	actuarial loss(1)
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	8,456			$	16,585			$	12,946		$	410		$	412		$	1,839		$	1,427		$	1,290		$	927
	-1	The Company amortizes actuarial losses over the average remaining active service period of the plan participants and does not use a corridor approach.
Summary of cash distributions and pension settlement expense related to SBP	'
	The following is a summary of the pension settlement distributions and settlement expense for the years ended December 31:
		Nonunion Defined											Supplemental
		Benefit Pension Plan											Benefit Plan
		2013(1)				2012				2011			2013			2012(2)			2011
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Pension settlement distributions	$	20,104			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	1,126		$	2,526
	Pension settlement expense, pre‑tax	$	2,111			$	—			$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,125
	Pension settlement expense per diluted share, net of taxes	$	0.05			—				—			—			—			$	0.03
	-1	Pension settlement distributions represent lump‑sum benefit distributions paid in 2013.
	-2	2012 SBP distribution related to an officer retirement that occurred in 2011. The benefit distribution amount was fixed at the retirement date, but IRC Section 409A requires that distributions to certain key employees under the SBP be delayed for six months after retirement. The pension settlement expense related to this distribution was recognized in 2011 and is included in this table for 2011.
Pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'
	Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31 were the following pre‑tax amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:
		Nonunion Defined								Supplemental						Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan								Benefit Plan						Health Benefit Plan
		2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	16,003			$	82,337			$	1,778		$	2,308		$	150		$	3,169
	Unrecognized prior service credit	—				—				—			—			(887		)	(1,077		)
	Total	$	16,003			$	82,337			$	1,778		$	2,308		$	(737	)	$	2,092
Pre-tax amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in the next fiscal year	'
	The following amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in 2014 on a pre‑tax basis. (Amounts exclude the effect of pension settlements, which are further discussed under Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets within this Note.)
		Nonunion				Supplemental				Postretirement
		Defined Benefit				Benefit				Health
		Pension Plan				Plan				Benefit Plan
						(in thousands)
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	2,008			$	226			$	17
	Unrecognized prior service credit	—				—				(190		)
	Total	$	2,008			$	226			$	(173	)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations	'
	Weighted‑average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows:
		Nonunion Defined				Supplemental				Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan				Benefit Plan				Health Benefit Plan
		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Discount rate(1)	3.80%		3.10%		2.80%		2.10%		4.70%		3.80%
	Rate of compensation increase(2)	N/A		3.30%		N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
	-1	The discount rate was determined at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The discount rate used to remeasure the PBO of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan upon the June 30, 2013 remeasurement for curtailment and the September 30, 2013 remeasurement for settlement was 3.9% and 3.7%, respectively.
	-2	The compensation assumption was not applicable to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan obligation as of December 31, 2013 due to the 2013 plan amendment which froze the accrual of benefits as of July 1, 2013.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for nonunion benefit plans	'
	Weighted‑average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s nonunion benefit plans for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		Nonunion Defined						Supplemental					Postretirement
		Benefit Pension Plan						Benefit Plan					Health Benefit Plan
		2013		2012		2011		2013		2012		2011	2013		2012	2011
	Discount rate(1)	3.10%		3.70%		4.70%		2.10%		3.20%		4.10%	3.80%		4.30%	5.40%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.50%		7.50%		7.50%		N/A		N/A		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
	Rate of compensation increase(2)	3.30%		3.30%		3.20%		N/A		N/A		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
	-1	The discount rate was determined at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 for the year 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	-2	The compensation assumption was no longer applicable for determining net periodic benefit cost of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan upon the June 30, 2013 remeasurement for plan curtailment due to the accrual of benefits being frozen as of July 1, 2013.
Schedule of the assumed health care cost trend rates for the postretirement health benefit plan	'
	The assumed health care cost trend rates for the Company’s postretirement health benefit plan at December 31 were as follows:
		2013						2012
		Pre‑65			Post‑65(1)
	Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year	8	%		5	%		8.5	%
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline	5	%		5	%		5	%
	Year that the rate reaches the cost trend assumed rate	2020			2020			2020
	-1	The post‑65 assumed health care cost trend rates were established separate from the pre‑65 trend rates as of December 31, 2013, reflecting lower medical cost trend rates for this age group as determined by actuarial analysis. The change in trend rates for 2013 contributed significantly to the net actuarial gain upon the December 31, 2013 plan remeasurement.
Effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the postretirement health benefit plan	'
	A one‑percentage‑point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on the Company’s postretirement health benefit plan for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		One Percentage Point
		Increase				Decrease
		(in thousands)
	Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	220			$	(174	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$	2,854			$	(2,330	)
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments for nonunion benefit plans	'
	Estimated future benefit payments from the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension, SBP, and postretirement health benefit plans, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Nonunion				Supplemental				Postretirement
		Defined Benefit				Benefit				Health
		Pension Plan(1)				Plan				Benefit Plan
						(in thousands)
	2014	$	22,396			$	—			$	610
	2015	$	20,628			$	—			$	666
	2016	$	19,792			$	1,235			$	709
	2017	$	18,785			$	—			$	759
	2018	$	17,187			$	—			$	860
	2018‑2022	$	73,713			$	7,042			$	4,620
	-1	Includes the amounts of future periodic benefit payments estimated as of December 31, 2013 for which the related pension obligation was settled with the purchase of a nonparticipating annuity contract purchase in January 2014 (as discussed in Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets within this section of the Note). The amount paid for the related contract premium is excluded from the 2014 payments presented.
Weighted-average target. acceptable ranges, and actual asset allocations of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan	'
	The weighted‑average target, acceptable ranges, and actual asset allocations of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan at December 31 is summarized in the following table:
		2013					Weighted‑Average Allocation
		Target			Acceptable		2013			2012
		Allocation			Range
	Equity Securities
	Large Cap U.S. Equity	20	%		15.0% – 30.0%		23.8	%		32.1	%
	Mid Cap U.S. Equity	10			8.0% – 12.0%		10.7			11.1
	Small Cap U.S. Equity	10			8.0% – 12.0%		10.5			11.1
	International Equity	15			11.0% – 19.0%		12.5			11.1
	Emerging Market Equity	—			—		—			5
	Income Securities
	Debt Instruments	20			15.0% – 25.0%		17.6			22.4
	Floating Rate Loan Fund	5			3.0% – 10.0%		3.6			4
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	20			10.0% – 25.0%		21.3			3.2
		100	%				100	%		100	%
Fair value of the nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets, by major asset category and fair value hierarchy level	'
	The fair value of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2013, by major asset category and fair value hierarchy level (see Fair Value Measurements accounting policy in Note B), were as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
						In Active				Observable			Unobservable
						Markets				Inputs			Inputs
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
										(in thousands)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	44,166			$	44,166			$	—		$	—
	Debt Instruments(2)	36,517				—				36,517			—
	Floating Rate Loans(3)	7,594				7,594				—			—
	Large Cap U.S. Equity	49,281				49,281				—			—
	Mid Cap U.S. Equity	22,181				22,181				—			—
	Small Cap U.S. Equity	21,848				21,848				—			—
	International Equity	26,026				26,026				—			—
		$	207,613			$	171,096			$	36,517		$	—
	-1	Consists primarily of money market mutual funds.
	-2	Includes corporate debt instruments (37%), treasury instruments (24%), mortgage‑backed instruments (27%), municipal debt instruments (5%), asset‑backed instruments (4%), and agency debt instruments (3%) which are priced using daily bid prices. The fair value measurements are provided by a pricing service which uses the market approach with inputs derived from observable market data.
	-3	Consists of a floating rate loan mutual fund.
	The fair value of the Company’s nonunion defined benefit pension plan assets at December 31, 2012, by major asset category and fair value hierarchy level (see Fair Value Measurements accounting policy in Note B), were as follows:
						Fair Value Measurements Using
		Total				Quoted Prices				Significant			Significant
						In Active				Observable			Unobservable
						Markets				Inputs			Inputs
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
										(in thousands)
	Cash and Cash Equivalents(1)	$	5,752			$	5,752			$	—		$	—
	Debt Instruments(2)	40,556				—				40,556			—
	Floating Rate Loans(3)	7,244				7,244				—			—
	Large Cap U.S. Equity	58,210				58,210				—			—
	Mid Cap U.S. Equity	20,226				20,226				—			—
	Small Cap U.S. Equity	20,044				20,044				—			—
	International Equity	20,046				20,046				—			—
	Emerging Market Equity	9,147				9,147				—			—
		$	181,225			$	140,669			$	40,556		$	—
	-1	Consists primarily of money market mutual funds.
	-2	Includes mortgage‑backed instruments (34%), corporate debt instruments (33%), treasury instruments (23%), municipal debt instruments (5%), and asset‑backed instruments (5%) which are priced using daily bid prices. The fair value measurements are provided by a pricing service which uses the market approach with inputs derived from observable market data.
	-3	Consists of a floating rate loan mutual fund.
Schedule of ABF Freight's participation in multiemployer pension plans	'
	Significant multiemployer pension plans and key participation information were as follows:
				Pension				FIP/RP
		EIN/Pension		Protection Act				Status		Contributions (d)									Surcharge
				Zone Status (b)				Pending/		(in thousands)									Imposed
	Legal Name of Plan	Plan Number (a)		2013		2012		Implemented (c)		2013			2012			2011			(e)
	Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan(1)(2)	36‑6044243		Red		Red		Implemented(3)		$	70,020		$	68,683		$	70,579		No
	Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan(2)	91‑6145047		Green		Green		No(4)		20,601			20,774			20,807			No
	Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Defined Benefit Plan(1)(2)	23‑6262789		Green(5)		Yellow(5)		Implemented(5)		12,143			11,170			12,022			No
	I. B. of T. Union Local No. 710 Pension Fund(7)(8)	36‑2377656		Green(6)		Green(6)		No		10,001			9,567			9,265			No
	All other plans in the aggregate									23,468			21,701			20,168
	Total multiemployer pension contributions paid(9)									$	136,233		$	131,895		$	132,841
	Table Heading Definitions
	(a)	The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the three‑digit plan number, if applicable.
	(b)	Unless otherwise noted, the most recent PPA zone status available in 2013 and 2012 is for the plan’s year‑end status at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The zone status is based on information ABF Freight received from the plan and was certified by the plan’s actuary.
	(c)	The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates if a funding improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP), if applicable, is pending or has been implemented.
	(d)	Amounts reflect contributions made by ABF Freight in the respective year and differ from amounts expensed during the year.
	(e)	The surcharge column indicates if a surcharge was paid by the employer to the plan.
	-1	ABF Freight was listed by the plan as providing more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the plan years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	-2	Information for this plan was obtained from the annual funding notice, other notices received from the plan, and the Forms 5500 filed for the plan years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	-3	Adopted a rehabilitation plan effective March 25, 2008, as updated. Utilized amortization extension effective December 31, 2003.
	-4	Utilized funding relief elections under the Pension Relief Act to determine the zone status beginning with the January 1, 2011 actuarial valuation.
	-5	Certified as “neither endangered nor critical” status for the plan year beginning January 1, 2013. The plan was certified as “endangered” for the plan year beginning January 1, 2012, and a funding improvement plan was adopted in December 2012.
	-6	PPA zone status relates to plan years February 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 and February 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012.
	-7	ABF Freight was listed by the plan as providing more than 5% of the total contributions to the plan for the plan years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012.
	-8	Information for this plan was obtained from the annual funding notice, other notices received from the plan, and the Forms 5500 filed for the plan years ended January 31, 2013 and 2012.
	-9	Contribution levels can be impacted by several factors such as changes in business levels and the related time worked by contractual employees, contractual rate increases for pension benefits, and the specific funding structure, which differs among plans. The pension contribution rate for contractual employees increased an average of 2.0%, 2.3%, and 3.6% effective primarily on August 1, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The Supplemental Negotiating Committee for the Central States Pension Plan approved no pension contribution increase effective August 1, 2013, 2012, and 2011. The Supplemental Negotiating Committee for the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan approved no pension contribution increase effective August 1, 2013 and 2012. The year‑over‑year changes in multiemployer pension plan contributions presented above were also influenced by changes in ABF Freight’s business levels.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows at December 31:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Pre‑tax amounts:
	Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)	$	(17,044	)	$	(86,737	)	$	(88,393	)
	Foreign currency translation	(863		)	(662		)	(691		)
	Total	$	(17,907	)	$	(87,399	)	$	(89,084	)
	After‑tax amounts:
	Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs(1)	$	(14,386	)	$	(56,968	)	$	(57,979	)
	Foreign currency translation	(526		)	(404		)	(423		)
	Total	$	(14,912	)	$	(57,372	)	$	(58,402	)
	-1	The decrease in unrecognized net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected the impact of a $66.3 million ($40.5 million after tax) decrease in the unrecognized net actuarial loss related to the nonunion defined benefit pension plan in 2013, primarily due to a $29.3 million ($17.9 million after‑tax) curtailment gain and a $27.8 million ($17.0 million after‑tax) net actuarial gain related to the increase in the discount rate used to remeasure the plan obligation upon curtailment and the amount required to adjust the assumed return on plan assets to the actual return experienced in 2013. The nonunion defined benefit pension plan is discussed further in Note J.
Schedule of change in accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Total			Unrecognized			Foreign
					Net Periodic			Currency
					Benefit Costs			Translation
		(in thousands)
	Balances at December 31, 2012	$	(57,372	)	$	(56,968	)	$	(404	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	36,439			36,561			(122		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,021			6,021			—
	Net current‑period other comprehensive income (loss)	42,460			42,582			(122		)
	Balances at December 31, 2013	$	(14,912	)	$	(14,386	)	$	(526	)
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The following is a summary of the significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs(1)(2)
		(in thousands)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	$	(7,935	)
	Amortization of prior service credit	190
	Settlement expense	(2,111		)
	Total, pre‑tax	(9,856		)
	Tax benefit	3,835
	Total, net of tax	$	(6,021	)
	-1	Amounts in parentheses indicate increases in expense or loss.
	-2	These components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note J).
Summary of dividends declared	'
	The following table is a summary of dividends declared during the applicable quarter:
		2013						2012					2011
		Per Share			Amount			Per Share			Amount		Per Share		Amount
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	First quarter	$	0.03		$	807		$	0.03		$	797	$	0.03	$	788
	Second quarter	$	0.03		$	806		$	0.03		$	808	$	0.03	$	797
	Third quarter	$	0.03		$	805		$	0.03		$	807	$	0.03	$	798
	Fourth quarter	$	0.03		$	815		$	0.03		$	807	$	0.03	$	797

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of the Company's restricted stock award program	'
	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock award program is presented below:
		Units
	Outstanding – January 1, 2013	1,281,480
	Granted	313,550
	Vested	(149,620	)
	Forfeited	(1,950	)
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013	1,443,460
Schedule of restricted stock units granted during the year	'
	The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors granted restricted stock units under the 2005 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 as follows:
		Units		Weighted‑Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	2013	313,550		$27.71
	2012	394,900		$14.55
	2011	334,700		$22.49
Summary of the Company's stock option program	'
	A summary of the Company’s stock option program is presented below:
		Shares			Weighted‑			Weighted‑		Intrinsic
		Under Option(1)			Average			Average		Value(2)
					Exercise Price			Remaining		(in thousands)
								Contractual
								Term
								(in years)
	Outstanding – January 1, 2013	240,425			$	27.4
	Granted	—
	Exercised	(99,195	)		29.1
	Forfeited	(105,500	)		25.23
	Outstanding – December 31, 2013(1)	35,730			$	29.1		0.1		164
	-1	Options outstanding are vested and available to be exercised. All options outstanding at December 31, 2013 were exercised or forfeited as of January 31, 2014.
	-2	The intrinsic value for each option represents the excess, if any, of the market value of the Company’s Common Stock on December 31, 2013 over the exercise price of the option.
Summary of additional activity related to Company's stock option program	'
	The following table summarizes additional activity related to the Company’s stock option program for the years ended December 31:
		2013				2012			2011
						(in thousands)
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	330			$	—		$	79
	Cash proceeds of options exercised	$	2,785			$	—		$	763
	Tax benefit of options exercised	$	109			$	—		$	30

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31:
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Basic earnings (loss) per share
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	15,811		$	(7,732	)	$	6,159
	Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	(720		)	(149		)	(249		)
	Adjusted net income (loss)	$	15,091		$	(7,881	)	$	5,910
	Denominator:
	Weighted‑average shares	25,714,205			25,564,752			25,403,073
	Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.59		$	(0.31	)	$	0.23
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	15,811		$	(7,732	)	$	6,159
	Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	(720		)	(149		)	(249		)
	Adjusted net income (loss)	$	15,091		$	(7,881	)	$	5,910
	Denominator:
	Weighted‑average shares	25,714,205			25,564,752			25,403,073
	Effect of dilutive securities	—			—			—
	Adjusted weighted‑average shares and assumed conversions	25,714,205			25,564,752			25,403,073
	Earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.59		$	(0.31	)	$	0.23

OPERATING_SEGMENT_DATA_Tables

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reportable operating segment information	'
	The following table reflects reportable operating segment information for the years ended December 31:
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	OPERATING REVENUES
	Freight Transportation(1)	$	1,761,716		$	1,701,495		$	1,714,232
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(2)	246,849			132,326			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	105,223			66,431			41,966
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	137,546			115,968			92,554
	Household Goods Moving Services	82,169			77,619			85,611
	Other and eliminations	(33,954		)	(27,840		)	(26,754		)
	Total consolidated operating revenues	$	2,299,549		$	2,065,999		$	1,907,609
	OPERATING EXPENSES
	Freight Transportation(1)
	Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	1,075,259		$	1,071,084		$	1,059,815
	Fuel, supplies, and expenses	332,433			329,284			333,242
	Operating taxes and licenses	43,865			43,336			45,469
	Insurance	21,823			20,742			24,481
	Communications and utilities	15,027			14,713			15,106
	Depreciation and amortization	72,971			78,672			70,767
	Rents and purchased transportation	180,689			156,810			154,363
	Gain on sale of property and equipment	(576		)	(711		)	(2,370		)
	Pension settlement expense	1,831			—			1,125
	Other	8,361			7,365			8,297
	Total Freight Transportation	1,751,683			1,721,295			1,710,295
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(2)
	Purchased transportation	188,561			101,559			—
	Depreciation and amortization	10,516			5,438			—
	Other	40,816			22,927			—
	Total Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	239,893			129,924			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	102,250			63,418			40,404
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	134,272			114,033			89,572
	Household Goods Moving Services	80,319			76,927			82,893
	Other and eliminations(3)	(27,938		)	(25,030		)	(25,314		)
	Total consolidated operating expenses	$	2,280,479		$	2,080,567		$	1,897,850
	OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
	Freight Transportation(1)	$	10,033		$	(19,800	)	$	3,937
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(2)	6,956			2,402			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	2,973			3,013			1,562
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	3,274			1,935			2,982
	Household Goods Moving Services	1,850			692			2,718
	Other and eliminations(3)	(6,016		)	(2,810		)	(1,440		)
	Total consolidated operating income (loss)	$	19,070		$	(14,568	)	$	9,759
	OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
	Interest and dividend income(2)	$	681		$	808		$	1,069
	Interest expense and other related financing costs(2)	(4,183		)	(5,273		)	(3,953		)
	Other, net(4)	3,893			2,041			2,618
	Total other income (expense)	391			(2,424		)	(266		)
	INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	$	19,461		$	(16,992	)	$	9,493
	-1	As previously discussed in this Note, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation which includes the Domestic & Global Transportation Management segment formed in third quarter 2013. The measurement of operating income for the Domestic & Global Transportation Management operating segment was changed in 2013 to include certain intercompany cost allocations. While it is impracticable to recalculate the cost allocations for all prior year periods, management estimated such amounts to be approximately $0.6 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011. If the segment information was presented on a comparable basis for all periods, Domestic & Global Transportation Management operating expenses would increase by $0.6 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011 with corresponding decreases in operating income for those years, and Freight Transportation operating expenses would decrease by the same amounts with corresponding increases in operating income for those years.
	-2	Includes operations of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment since the June 15, 2012 acquisition of Panther.
	-3	2013 includes workers’ compensation expense reserve increase associated with an insolvent insurance carrier and costs of long‑term incentive plans that were driven by the Company’s total shareholder return relative to its peer group.
	-4	Includes changes in cash surrender value and proceeds of life insurance policies.
Schedule of asset, capital expenditure, and depreciation and amortization information by reportable operating segment	'
	The following table provides asset, capital expenditure, and depreciation and amortization information by reportable operating segment:
		December 31
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	ASSETS
	Freight Transportation(1)	$	530,678		$	550,676		$	590,777
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	216,747			222,280			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	27,836			15,437			8,131
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	21,517			18,413			13,634
	Household Goods Moving Services	20,941			21,754			20,687
	Other and eliminations(1)(2)	199,607			205,902			282,991
		$	1,017,326		$	1,034,462		$	916,220
		For the year ended December 31
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS
	Freight Transportation(1)(3)	$	11,091		$	68,235		$	78,875
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(4)	3,854			1,579			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	286			45			163
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	1,314			685			307
	Household Goods Moving Services	493			416			480
	Other and eliminations	9,367			4,291			3,812
		$	26,405		$	75,251		$	83,637
		For the year ended December 31
		2013			2012			2011
					(in thousands)
	DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE(2)
	Freight Transportation(1)	$	72,971		$	78,672		$	70,767
	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services(4)(5)	6,342			3,179			—
	Domestic & Global Transportation Management(1)	640			364			197
	Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	540			497			476
	Household Goods Moving Services	1,247			769			645
	Other and eliminations	2,475			2,012			1,657
		$	84,215		$	85,493		$	73,742
	-1	As previously discussed in this Note, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ operating segment data to conform to the current year presentation which includes the Domestic & Global Transportation Management segment that was formed in third quarter 2013.
	-2	Other and eliminations includes certain assets held by the parent holding company for strategic reasons, including unrestricted and restricted cash, cash equivalents, and short‑term investments, as well as certain assets held for the benefit of multiple segments, including land and structures of the Company’s corporate headquarters and information systems equipment. Depreciation and amortization associated with these assets is allocated to the reporting segments. Depreciation and amortization expense includes amortization of internally developed capitalized software which has not been included in gross capital expenditures presented in the table.
	-3	Includes assets acquired through notes payable and capital leases of less than $0.1 million in 2013, $38.0 million in 2012, and $30.4 million in 2011.
	-4	Includes operations of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment since the June 15, 2012 acquisition of Panther.
	-5	Excludes amortization of intangibles which totaled $4.2 million in 2013 and $2.3 million in 2012 (see Note E).

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION1

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of unaudited quarterly financial information	'
	The tables below present unaudited quarterly financial information for 2013 and 2012:
		2013
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Operating revenues	$	520,687		$	576,899		$	623,414		$	578,549
	Operating expenses	544,037			568,482			602,912			565,047
	Operating income (loss)	(23,350		)	8,417			20,502			13,502
	Other income (expense), net	47			(552		)	502			393
	Income tax provision (benefit)	(9,908		)	2,987			7,022			3,549
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$	(13,395	)	$	4,878		$	13,982		$	10,346
	Earnings (loss) per common share(4)
	Basic	$	(0.52	)	$	0.18		$	0.52		$	0.38
	Diluted	$	(0.52	)	$	0.18		$	0.52		$	0.38
	Average common shares outstanding
	Basic	25,638,333			25,694,327			25,736,810			25,785,485
	Diluted	25,638,333			25,694,327			25,736,810			25,793,366
		2012
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
		Quarter			Quarter(1)			Quarter(1)			Quarter(1)
		(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	Operating revenues	$	440,867		$	510,543		$	577,546		$	537,042
	Operating expenses	463,854			503,342			565,313			548,058
	Operating income (loss)	(22,987		)	7,201			12,233			(11,016		)
	Other income (expense), net	451			(1,117		)	(457		)	(1,300		)
	Income tax provision (benefit)(2)	(4,374		)	(5,757		)	5,258			(4,387		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation(3)	$	(18,162	)	$	11,841		$	6,518		$	(7,929	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share(4)
	Basic	$	(0.71	)	$	0.44		$	0.24		$	(0.31	)
	Diluted	$	(0.71	)	$	0.44		$	0.24		$	(0.31	)
	Average common shares outstanding
	Basic	25,455,607			25,544,455			25,613,315			25,629,309
	Diluted	25,455,607			25,544,455			25,613,315			25,629,309
	-1	Includes operations of the Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services segment since the June 15, 2012 acquisition of Panther.
	-2	The income tax benefit rates recorded in the first and second quarters of 2012 were significantly affected by changes in the assessment of deferred tax asset valuation allowances as more fully discussed at Note F.
	-3	The fourth quarter of 2012 included an adjustment of $2.7 million, after tax, which is immaterial to prior periods, to correct the reserves for workers’ compensation and third‑party casualty claims.
	-4	The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share (see Note M).

ORGANIZATION_AND_DESCRIPTION_O1

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details) (ABF Freight)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 03, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Unionized employees concentration risk	Forecast	Forecast	Forecast	Forecast
			Number of employees			Minimum	Maximum
Organization and description of business	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of the Company's revenues, before intercompany eliminations, represented by ABF Freight	'	75.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ABF Freight's employees covered under collective bargaining agreement with the IBT	'	'	76.00%	'	'	'	'
Wage rate reduction under collective bargaining agreement upon implementation date (as a percent)	7.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Wage rate increase for next three years of collective bargaining agreement (as a percent)	'	'	'	2.00%	'	'	'
Wage rate increase in fifth year of collective bargaining agreement (as a percent)	'	'	'	2.50%	'	'	'
Reduction in compensated vacation under collective bargaining agreement	'5 days	'	'	'	'	'	'
Approximate initial reduction in combined total contractual wage and benefit rate under collective bargaining agreement (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	4.00%	'	'
Estimated increase in compounded annual contractual wage and benefit contribution rates in second through fifth years (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	0.025	0.03

ORGANIZATION_AND_DESCRIPTION_O2

ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Details 2)	Jun. 15, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2009
	Panther Expedited Services, Inc.	Albert Companies, Inc.	Albert Companies, Inc.
Organization and description of business	'	'	'
Percentage of equity interest acquired	100.00%	25.00%	75.00%

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Details

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (Single customer, Maximum)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues | Customer concentration risk	'	'
Concentration of Credit Risk	'	'
Percentage of concentration of credit risk	5.00%	5.00%
Accounts receivable | Credit concentration risk	'	'
Concentration of Credit Risk	'	'
Percentage of concentration of credit risk	5.00%	5.00%

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Details_2

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Structures	Structures	Revenue equipment	Revenue equipment	Equipment and Other	Equipment and Other	Capitalized software costs	Capitalized software costs	Purchased software applications
			Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum	Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation/amortization period	'	'	'15 years	'20 years	'3 years	'12 years	'2 years	'15 years	'2 years	'3 years	'7 years
Impairment Assessment of Long-Lived Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale which are reported within other noncurrent assets	$0.40	$1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Asset Retirement Obligations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated asset retirement obligation	$2.50	$2.50	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Details_3

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Claims Liabilities	'	'
Receivables, net of related allowances, for workers' compensation excess claims paid by the Company but insured by the excess insurers	$1	$1
Liabilities for workers' compensation excess claims insured by, but not expected to be covered by the excess insurers	2.7	1.9
Insurance-Related Assessments	'	'
Liabilities for state guaranty fund assessments and other insurance-related assessments	$1	$1.40
Maximum expected period for payment of state guaranty fund assessments and other insurance-related assessments	'1 year	'

ACCOUNTING_POLICIES_Details_4

ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension, Supplemental Benefit, and Postretirement Health Plans	'
Period of estimate of future compensation rates used to establish the assumed rate of compensation increase	'2 years
Restricted Stock Awards	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
Vesting period	'5 years
Restricted Stock Awards | Nonemployee director	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
Vesting period	'3 years
Stock Options	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
Vesting period	'5 years
Expiration period	'10 years

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_FAIR2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Short-term investments	$35,906,000	$29,054,000
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	1,902,000	9,658,000
Concentrations of Credit Risk of Financial Instruments	'	'
Cash, cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit which are not FDIC-insured	49,400,000	53,800,000
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	105,354,000	90,702,000
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	1,902,000	9,658,000
Fair value disclosure | Cash deposits	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	63,547,000	48,293,000
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	1,902,000	5,901,000
Fair value disclosure | Variable rate demand notes	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	29,706,000	29,807,000
Fair value disclosure | Money market funds	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	12,101,000	12,602,000
Fair value disclosure | Certificates of deposit	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Short-term investments	35,906,000	29,054,000
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments	$0	$3,757,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_FAIR3

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Carrying value of debt obligations	$112,845	$155,985
Carrying value	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Carrying value of debt obligations	105,832	132,756
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value of debt obligations	105,842	132,904
Term Loan	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Carrying value of debt obligations	83,750	95,000
Term Loan | Carrying value	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Carrying value of debt obligations	83,750	95,000
Term Loan | Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value of debt obligations	83,750	95,000
Notes payable	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Carrying value of debt obligations	22,082	37,756
Notes payable | Carrying value	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Carrying value of debt obligations	22,082	37,756
Notes payable | Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value disclosure	'	'
Fair value of debt obligations	$22,092	$37,904

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_FAIR4

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 3) (Recurring basis, Level 1, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value	'	'
Financial Assets at Fair Value	$15,164	$15,637
Money market funds	'	'
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value	'	'
Financial Assets at Fair Value	12,101	12,602
Voluntary Savings Plan - mutual funds held in trust	'	'
Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value	'	'
Financial Assets at Fair Value	$3,063	$3,035

ACQUISITION_Details

ACQUISITION (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 15, 2012

Jun. 15, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Secured term loan

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Acquired Logistics Company [Member]

Software

Albert Companies, Inc.

ACQUISITION

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, acquired percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash purchase price, net of cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,146,000

$180,039,000

$0

'

$180,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$4,100,000

Debt issued for funding the acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of acquired assets and liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,824,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,205,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,085,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment (excluding acquired software)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,678,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Software

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

79,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,866,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total identifiable assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

159,258,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,344,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,436,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

228,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29,307,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,315,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net identifiable assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108,943,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

76,448,000

'

'

'

73,189,000

'

'

'

76,448,000

73,189,000

3,660,000

'

71,096,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid, net of cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

180,039,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable, gross contractual amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable, estimated uncollectible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

Revenue and earnings included since acquisition date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

578,549,000

623,414,000

576,899,000

520,687,000

537,042,000

577,546,000

510,543,000

440,867,000

2,299,549,000

2,065,999,000

1,907,609,000

'

'

'

132,300,000

'

'

'

'

Operating income

13,502,000

20,502,000

8,417,000

-23,350,000

-11,016,000

12,233,000

7,201,000

-22,987,000

19,070,000

-14,568,000

9,759,000

'

'

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

Acquisition related costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma consolidated statement of operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,171,075,000

2,141,057,000

'

'

Income (loss) before income taxes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,730,000

18,852,000

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,180,000

11,938,000

'

'

Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.36)

$0.45

'

'

Reversal of deferred tax valuation allowances excluded from pro forma information

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reversal of deferred tax valuation allowances excluded from pro forma information (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Household Goods Moving Services	Household Goods Moving Services	Household Goods Moving Services	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services
Goodwill by reportable operating segment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$73,189,000	$3,660,000	$3,660,000	'	$3,660,000	$69,529,000	'
Goodwill acquired	1,692,000	69,529,000	1,692,000	'	'	'	69,529,000
Purchase accounting adjustments	1,567,000	'	'	'	'	1,567,000	'
Balance at the end of the period	76,448,000	73,189,000	5,352,000	'	3,660,000	71,096,000	69,529,000
Goodwill related to acquisition expected to be fully tax deductible	'	'	'	$1,700,000	'	'	'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period	'13 years	'	'
Cost	$46,700,000	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	6,435,000	2,261,000	'
Net Value	40,265,000	44,439,000	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Net Value	35,122,000	35,122,000	'
Total intangible assets	'	'	'
Cost	81,822,000	'	'
Net Value	75,387,000	79,561,000	'
Amortization expense on intangible assets	'	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	4,174,000	2,261,000	0
Trade name	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Net Value	32,300,000	32,300,000	'
Other	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Net Value	2,822,000	2,822,000	'
Customer relationships	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period	'14 years	'	'
Cost	43,500,000	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	4,790,000	1,683,000	'
Net Value	38,710,000	41,817,000	'
Driver network	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets	'	'	'
Weighted Average Amortization Period	'3 years	'	'
Cost	3,200,000	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	1,645,000	578,000	'
Net Value	1,555,000	2,622,000	'
Panther Expedited Services, Inc. | Minimum	'	'	'
Amortization expense on intangible assets	'	'	'
Annual amortization expense on intangible assets expected for fiscal 2014-2018	3,000,000	'	'
Panther Expedited Services, Inc. | Maximum	'	'	'
Amortization expense on intangible assets	'	'	'
Annual amortization expense on intangible assets expected for fiscal 2014-2018	$4,000,000	'	'

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) (Panther Expedited Services, Inc., Software, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Panther Expedited Services, Inc. | Software	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'
Amortization period	'7 years	'
Amortization expense	$4.50	$2.50
Annual amortization expense on acquired software expected for fiscal 2013-2018	$4.50	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit of options exercised and dividends on share-based payment awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$200,000	'	'
Current provision (benefit):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,739,000	0	-872,000
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	865,000	694,000	487,000
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	413,000	405,000	489,000
Current provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,017,000	1,099,000	104,000
Deferred provision (benefit):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Federal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,335,000	-8,656,000	2,664,000
State	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	160,000	-1,699,000	415,000
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-192,000	-4,000	-23,000
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,367,000	-10,359,000	3,056,000
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	3,549,000	7,022,000	2,987,000	-9,908,000	-4,387,000	5,258,000	-5,757,000	-4,374,000	3,650,000	-9,260,000	3,160,000
Significant components of the deferred tax provision or benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,137,000	137,000	15,059,000
Amortization of intangibles	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,048,000	-1,604,000	0
Changes in reserves for workers' compensation and cargo claims	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,751,000	-3,319,000	-970,000
Revenue recognition	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,704,000	-253,000	654,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	516,000	229,000	-705,000
Foreign tax credit carryforward	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	71,000	-133,000	-240,000
Nonunion pension and other retirement plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,493,000	702,000	-4,885,000
Deferred compensation plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	530,000	669,000	853,000
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,207,000	-2,538,000	-680,000
State net operating loss carryforwards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	254,000	-725,000	705,000
State depreciation adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	569,000	20,000	-1,179,000
Share-based compensation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,437,000	-702,000	-941,000
Valuation allowance decrease	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,436,000	-3,180,000	-782,000
Leases	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	612,000	806,000	-316,000
Other accrued expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,284,000	-1,586,000	-863,000
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,390,000	1,118,000	-2,654,000
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($10,367,000)	($10,359,000)	$3,056,000

INCOME_TAXES_Details_2

INCOME TAXES (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Accrued expenses	$50,311	$51,715
Pension liabilities	4,404	34,163
Postretirement liabilities other than pensions	6,349	7,127
Share-based compensation	5,898	6,034
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards	9,840	14,071
Other	1,877	2,092
Total deferred tax assets	78,679	115,202
Valuation allowance	-1,028	-2,511
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	77,651	112,691
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Amortization, depreciation, and basis differences for property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets	61,673	73,558
Intangibles	34,385	37,282
Revenue recognition	4,264	4,268
Prepaid expenses	3,875	3,647
Total deferred tax liabilities	104,197	118,755
Net deferred tax liabilities	($26,546)	($6,064)

INCOME_TAXES_Details_3

INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation between the effective income tax rate, as computed on income or loss before income taxes, and the statutory federal income tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax provision (benefit) at the statutory federal rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6,811	($5,947)	$3,323
Federal income tax effects of:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
State income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-359	352	-316
Nondeductible expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,090	1,415	1,079
Life insurance proceeds and changes in cash surrender value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,320	-752	-906
Dividends received deduction	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9	-5	0
Alternative fuel tax credit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,935	0	-995
Decrease in valuation allowances	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,436	-3,180	-211
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-440	-539	-182
Federal income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,402	-8,656	1,792
State income tax provision (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,026	-1,005	902
Foreign income tax provision	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	222	401	466
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$3,549	$7,022	$2,987	($9,908)	($4,387)	$5,258	($5,757)	($4,374)	$3,650	($9,260)	$3,160
Effective tax (benefit) rate (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18.80%	-54.50%	33.30%

INCOME_TAXES_Details_4

INCOME TAXES (Details 4) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

State

State

State

State

State

State

Foreign

Foreign

Foreign

Federal

State Operating Losses and Deferred Tax Assets

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Panther Expedited Services, Inc.

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income taxes paid before income tax refunds

$13,400,000

$5,300,000

$5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax refunds

8,100,000

7,100,000

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating loss and contribution carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating loss carryforwards

'

'

'

87,500,000

18,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,800,000

'

Contribution carryforwards

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

State net operating loss and contribution carryforwards expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Majority of state net operating loss and contribution carryforwards, expiration period one

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Majority of state net operating loss and contribution carryforwards, expiration period two

'

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance

1,028,000

2,511,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance related tax credit carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

Valuation allowance related to net operating loss carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

Foreign tax credit carryforwards, expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'10 years

'

'

Change in valuation allowance

$3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000

Net operating loss carryforwards expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'18 years

'

INCOME_TAXES_Details_5

INCOME TAXES (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	$300,000	$0	$0
Interest paid	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	1,782,000	59,000	'
Federal, State, and Local Jurisdiction | Maximum	'	'	'
Interest paid	'	'	'
Interest paid on income tax obligations	100,000	100,000	100,000
State	'	'	'
Other tax disclosures	'	'	'
Accrued interest liability on amended returns	0	0	100,000
Foreign	'	'	'
Interest paid	'	'	'
Interest paid on income tax obligations	200,000	'	'
Income taxes payable	'	200,000	'
Foreign | Maximum	'	'	'
Interest paid	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	$100,000	'	'

OPERATING_LEASES_Details

OPERATING LEASES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases, Operating [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rental expense	$24,100,000	$20,300,000	$18,900,000
Future minimum rental commitments for all noncancelable operating leases	'	'	'
2014	14,513,000	'	'
2015	11,557,000	'	'
2016	8,791,000	'	'
2017	6,875,000	'	'
2018	5,509,000	'	'
Thereafter	13,136,000	'	'
Total	60,381,000	'	'
Land and structures	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments for all noncancelable operating leases	'	'	'
2014	13,408,000	'	'
2015	10,944,000	'	'
2016	8,721,000	'	'
2017	6,838,000	'	'
2018	5,509,000	'	'
Thereafter	13,136,000	'	'
Total	58,556,000	'	'
Equipment and Other	'	'	'
Future minimum rental commitments for all noncancelable operating leases	'	'	'
2014	1,105,000	'	'
2015	613,000	'	'
2016	70,000	'	'
2017	37,000	'	'
Total	$1,825,000	'	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_FINANCING_AR2

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	$112,845	$155,985
Less current portion	31,513	43,044
Long-term debt, less current portion	81,332	112,941
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	2.10%	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	33,659	'
2015	28,467	'
2016	19,313	'
2017	37,121	'
2018	226	'
Thereafter	252	'
Total payments	119,038	'
Less amounts representing interest	6,193	'
Long-term debt	112,845	155,985
Term Loan	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	83,750	95,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	1.70%	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	15,178	'
2015	17,716	'
2016	19,100	'
2017	36,902	'
Total payments	88,896	'
Less amounts representing interest	5,146	'
Long-term debt	83,750	95,000
Notes payable	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	22,082	37,756
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	3.00%	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	22,082	37,756
Notes payable | Revenue Equipment	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	22,082	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	15,561	'
2015	7,033	'
Total payments	22,594	'
Less amounts representing interest	512	'
Long-term debt	22,082	'
Capital lease obligations	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	7,013	23,229
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)	4.80%	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	7,013	23,229
Capital lease obligations | Revenue Equipment	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	5,202	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	2,425	'
2015	3,061	'
Total payments	5,486	'
Less amounts representing interest	284	'
Long-term debt	5,202	'
Capital lease obligations | Land and structures	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	1,101	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	200	'
2015	206	'
2016	213	'
2017	219	'
2018	226	'
Thereafter	252	'
Total payments	1,316	'
Less amounts representing interest	215	'
Long-term debt	1,101	'
Capital lease obligations | Equipment and Other	'	'
Long-term debt obligations	'	'
Long-term debt	710	'
Payments under long-term debt obligations	'	'
2014	295	'
2015	451	'
Total payments	746	'
Less amounts representing interest	36	'
Long-term debt	$710	'

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_FINANCING_AR3

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	$1,094,590	$1,079,320
Less accumulated amortization	700,193	635,292
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	394,397	444,028
Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	3,552	3,607
Less accumulated amortization	26,847	35,183
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET	-23,295	-31,576
Land and structures (terminals) | Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	1,794	1,794
Revenue equipment | Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	58,613	93,004
Service, office, and other equipment | Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
Assets securitized by notes payable or held under capital leases	'	'
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, GROSS	$1,758	$1,813

LONGTERM_DEBT_AND_FINANCING_AR4

LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Details 3) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 15, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Maximum

Maximum

Accounts receivable securitization program

Letter of Credit Agreements

Letter of Credit Agreements

Surety bonds

Surety bonds

Credit Agreement

Revolving commitments

Term Loan

Notes payable

Notes payable

Notes payable

Capital lease obligations

Capital lease obligations

Capital lease obligations

Revenue Equipment

Revenue Equipment

Revenue Equipment

Equipment and Other

ABF Freight

ABF Freight

ABF Freight

ABF Freight

Maximum

Financing Arrangements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)

2.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

4.80%

'

'

Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

$3,600,000

$4,500,000

$3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capitalized interest

100,000

'

'

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'36 months

'36 months

'

'

'

Face amount of term loan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed charge coverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio required to be maintained

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of capital lease agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'36 months

'

Equipment financed during the period under notes payable or capital lease agreements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,000,000

28,500,000

'

1,900,000

100,000

Outstanding letters of credit

'

'

'

'

'

20,300,000

22,800,000

22,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

54,700,000

58,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts collateralized by restricted funds

1,902,000

9,658,000

'

'

'

'

1,900,000

5,900,000

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding surety bonds under collateralized bond program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,700,000

13,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit, outstanding amount used as collateral

'

'

'

'

'

3,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding surety bonds under uncollateralized bond programs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$43,800,000

$36,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ACCRUED_EXPENSES_Details

ACCRUED EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued compensation	$22,734	$15,841
Accrued vacation pay	36,246	40,473
Taxes other than income	7,418	7,366
Workers' compensation, third-party casualty, and loss and damage claims reserves	92,166	86,969
Other	15,058	8,019
Total accrued expenses	$173,622	$158,668

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and postretirement liabilities)	($26,847)	($104,673)	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Pension settlement expense	2,111	0	1,125
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	260,950	244,402	'
Service cost	4,734	9,189	8,655
Interest cost	7,784	8,692	9,954
Actuarial (gain) loss	-10,797	15,893	'
Benefits paid	-22,486	-17,226	'
Curtailment gain	-29,262	0	'
Settlement loss	737	0	'
Benefit obligations at end of year	211,660	260,950	244,402
Changes in plan assets	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	181,225	161,249	'
Actual return on plan assets	31,074	19,202	'
Employer contributions	17,800	18,000	'
Benefits paid	-22,486	-17,226	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	207,613	181,225	161,249
Funded status	-4,047	-79,725	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	211,660	230,305	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and postretirement liabilities)	-4,047	-79,725	'
Liabilities recognized	-4,047	-79,725	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Service cost	4,734	9,189	8,655
Interest cost	7,784	8,692	9,954
Expected return on plan assets	-13,313	-12,063	-12,584
Pension settlement expense	2,111	0	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss	7,140	10,767	6,921
Net periodic benefit cost	8,456	16,585	12,946
Supplemental Benefit Plan	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	7,213	7,620	'
Interest cost	150	210	386
Actuarial (gain) loss	-271	509	'
Benefits paid	0	-1,126	-2,526
Benefit obligations at end of year	7,092	7,213	7,620
Changes in plan assets	'	'	'
Employer contributions	0	1,126	'
Benefits paid	0	-1,126	-2,526
Funded status	-7,092	-7,213	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	7,092	7,213	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and postretirement liabilities)	-7,092	-7,213	'
Liabilities recognized	-7,092	-7,213	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Interest cost	150	210	386
Pension settlement expense	0	0	1,125
Amortization of net actuarial loss	260	202	328
Net periodic benefit cost	410	412	1,839
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan	'	'	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'	'	'
Unrecognized prior service credit, amortization period	'8 years	'	'
Change in benefit obligation	'	'	'
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	18,308	17,553	'
Service cost	331	315	224
Interest cost	751	749	781
Actuarial (gain) loss	-2,484	277	'
Benefits paid	-588	-586	'
Benefit obligations at end of year	16,318	18,308	17,553
Changes in plan assets	'	'	'
Employer contributions	588	586	'
Benefits paid	-588	-586	'
Funded status	-16,318	-18,308	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	16,318	18,308	'
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets	'	'	'
Current liabilities (included in accrued expenses)	-610	-573	'
Noncurrent liabilities (included in pension and postretirement liabilities)	-15,708	-17,735	'
Liabilities recognized	-16,318	-18,308	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'
Service cost	331	315	224
Interest cost	751	749	781
Amortization of prior service credit	-190	-190	-190
Amortization of net actuarial loss	535	416	112
Net periodic benefit cost	$1,427	$1,290	$927

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details1

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Distributions and pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax	$2,111	$0	$1,125	'	'
Pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Total	17,044	86,737	88,393	'	'
Pre-tax amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in next fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'
Period of estimate of future compensation rates used to establish the assumed rate of compensation increase	'2 years	'	'	'	'
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Lump Sum Distribution Paid	20,104	'	'	'	'
Distributions and pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'
Pension settlement distributions	22,486	17,226	'	'	'
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax	2,111	0	0	'	'
Pension settlement expense per diluted share, net of taxes	$0.05	$0	$0	'	'
Pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	16,003	82,337	'	'	'
Total	16,003	82,337	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in next fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	2,008	'	'	'	'
Total	2,008	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.80%	3.10%	'	3.70%	3.90%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	'	3.30%	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.10%	3.70%	4.70%	'	'
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%	'	'
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.30%	3.30%	3.20%	'	'
Expected return on plan assets expected to be utilized in determining pension plan expenses for next fiscal year (as a percent)	6.50%	'	'	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments	'	'	'	'	'
2014	22,396	'	'	'	'
2015	20,628	'	'	'	'
2016	19,792	'	'	'	'
2017	18,785	'	'	'	'
2018	17,187	'	'	'	'
2018-2022	73,713	'	'	'	'
Supplemental Benefit Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions and pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'
Pension settlement distributions	0	1,126	2,526	'	'
Pension settlement expense, pre-tax	0	0	1,125	'	'
Pension settlement expense per diluted share, net of taxes	'	$0	$0.03	'	'
Period of delay provision for key employees as required by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code related to lump-sum termination payment	'6 months	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	1,778	2,308	'	'	'
Total	1,778	2,308	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in next fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	226	'	'	'	'
Total	226	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.80%	2.10%	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.10%	3.20%	4.10%	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments	'	'	'	'	'
2016	1,235	'	'	'	'
2018-2022	7,042	'	'	'	'
Postretirement Health Benefit Plan	'	'	'	'	'
Distributions and pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'
Pension settlement distributions	588	586	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	150	3,169	'	'	'
Unrecognized prior service credit	-887	-1,077	'	'	'
Total	-737	2,092	'	'	'
Pre-tax amounts, which are reported within accumulated other comprehensive loss, expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in next fiscal year	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	17	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized prior service credit	-190	'	'	'	'
Total	-173	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine nonunion benefit obligations	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.70%	3.80%	'	'	'
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost	'	'	'	'	'
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.80%	4.30%	5.40%	'	'
Assumed health care cost trend rates	'	'	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (as a percent)	8.00%	8.50%	'	'	'
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year, Post-65 (as a percent)	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	'	'	'
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline, Post-65 (as a percent)	5.00%	'	'	'	'
Year that the rate reaches the cost trend assumed rate	'2020	'2020	'	'	'
Year that the rate reaches the cost trend assumed rate, Post-65	'2020	'	'	'	'
Effects of one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase on total of service and interest cost components	220	'	'	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease on total of service and interest cost components	-174	'	'	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point increase on postretirement benefit obligation	2,854	'	'	'	'
Effect of one-percentage-point decrease on postretirement benefit obligation	-2,330	'	'	'	'
Estimated future benefit payments	'	'	'	'	'
2014	610	'	'	'	'
2015	666	'	'	'	'
2016	709	'	'	'	'
2017	759	'	'	'	'
2018	860	'	'	'	'
2018-2022	$4,620	'	'	'	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 3) (Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan, USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

Minimum

Maximum

Large Cap U.S. Equity

Large Cap U.S. Equity

Mid Cap U.S. Equity

Mid Cap U.S. Equity

Small Cap U.S. Equity

Small Cap U.S. Equity

International Equity

International Equity

Emerging Market Equity

Emerging Market Equity

Debt Instruments

Debt Instruments

Floating Rate Loan Fund

Floating Rate Loan Fund

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Actively managed portfolio of short-term debt instruments

Actively managed portfolio of short duration debt instruments

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

participant

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instruments

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Employee Benefit Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which the possibility of experiencing a substantial loss is limited by adequate diversification under the long-term asset allocation policy

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Target allocations, acceptable ranges, and actual asset allocations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Target allocation (as a percent)

100.00%

'

'

'

20.00%

'

10.00%

'

10.00%

'

15.00%

'

0.00%

'

20.00%

'

5.00%

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

30.00%

10.00%

Acceptable Range, minimum (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

8.00%

'

8.00%

'

11.00%

'

0.00%

'

15.00%

'

3.00%

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acceptable Range, maximum (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

30.00%

'

12.00%

'

12.00%

'

19.00%

'

0.00%

'

25.00%

'

10.00%

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-Average Allocation (as a percent)

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

23.80%

32.10%

10.70%

11.10%

10.50%

11.10%

12.50%

11.10%

0.00%

5.00%

17.60%

22.40%

3.60%

4.00%

21.30%

3.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance period of recognized market indices used to compare investment performance

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum performance period of investment fund used to compare investment performance

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum performance period of total fund used to compare investment performance

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of plan participants for which vested pension benefits were settled

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

375

'

'

'

'

Premium paid to purchase nonparticipating annuity contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25.40

'

'

'

'

Pension benefit obligation settled with nonparticipating annuity contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23.3

'

'

'

'

Pension settlement expense, pre-tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2

$3

'

'

Maximum maturity period of investments under investment restrictions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of portfolio investments under investment restrictions represented by a single issue or issuer other than U.S. government securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of portfolio under investment restrictions invested in BBB rated debt or collectively in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum average effective duration period of investments under investment restrictions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 4) (Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan, USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Debt Instruments

Debt Instruments

Floating Rate Loan

Floating Rate Loan

Large Cap U.S. Equity

Large Cap U.S. Equity

Mid Cap U.S. Equity

Mid Cap U.S. Equity

Small Cap U.S. Equity

Small Cap U.S. Equity

International Equity

International Equity

Emerging Market Equity

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Floating Rate Loan

Floating Rate Loan

Large Cap U.S. Equity

Large Cap U.S. Equity

Mid Cap U.S. Equity

Mid Cap U.S. Equity

Small Cap U.S. Equity

Small Cap U.S. Equity

International Equity

International Equity

Emerging Market Equity

Debt Instruments

Debt Instruments

Mortgage-backed instruments

Mortgage-backed instruments

Corporate debt securities

Corporate debt securities

Treasury instruments

Treasury instruments

Municipal debt securities

Municipal debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Asset-backed securities

Agency securities

Employee Benefit Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of plan assets

$207,613

'

$181,225

$161,249

$44,166

$5,752

$36,517

$40,556

$7,594

$7,244

$49,281

$58,210

$22,181

$20,226

$21,848

$20,044

$26,026

$20,046

$9,147

$171,096

$140,669

$44,166

$5,752

$7,594

$7,244

$49,281

$58,210

$22,181

$20,226

$21,848

$20,044

$26,026

$20,046

$9,147

$36,517

$40,556

$36,517

$40,556

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of investments in debt instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27.00%

34.00%

37.00%

33.00%

24.00%

23.00%

5.00%

5.00%

4.00%

5.00%

3.00%

Adjusted funding target attainment percentage

'

102.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details4

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan	'	'	'
Earning period of Long-term cash incentive plan	'3 years	'	'
Incentive payments accrued for Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan	$4.20	$0	$0
Other Plans	'	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	43.8	41.6	'
Recognized gains associated with changes in the cash surrender value and proceeds from life insurance policies	3.8	2.1	2.6
Deferred salary agreements	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Plans	'	'	'
Recorded liabilities	5.2	5.5	'
Additional benefit plan, death and retirement benefits	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Plans	'	'	'
Recorded liabilities	0.8	0.8	'
Voluntary Savings Plan	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Plans	'	'	'
Recorded assets	3.1	3	'
Recorded liabilities	3.1	3	'
Minimum period for election to defer receipt of a portion of salary and incentive compensation	'6 months	'	'
401(k) Plan	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans	'	'	'
Maximum percentage of salary permitted to be deferred by plan participants	69.00%	'	'
Rate of employer match on participant contributions	50.00%	'	'
Maximum percentage of participants compensation that is eligible for 50% matching contribution	6.00%	'	'
Expense for employer contribution to defined contribution plan	4.5	3.8	'
Defined Contribution Plan	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans	'	'	'
Expense for employer contribution to defined contribution plan	$5.90	'	$1.10
Period of service for participants' full vesting in the employer's contributions	'3 years	'	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details5

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 6) (ABF Freight, USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Aug. 01, 2013

Aug. 01, 2012

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2005

Jan. 02, 2013

Jan. 02, 2012

Jan. 02, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 01, 2013

Aug. 01, 2012

Aug. 01, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Multiemployer pension plans

Multiemployer pension plans

Multiemployer pension plans

Multiemployer pension plans

Multiemployer pension plans

Multiemployer pension plans

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Central States Pension Plan

Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan

Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan

Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Plan

Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Pension Plan

Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Pension Plan

Central Pennsylvania Teamsters Pension Plan

Local 710 Pension Fund

Local 710 Pension Fund

Local 710 Pension Fund

Local 710 Pension Fund

Local 710 Pension Fund

All Other Pension Plans in Aggregate

All Other Pension Plans in Aggregate

All Other Pension Plans in Aggregate

Multiemployer health and welfare plans

Multiemployer health and welfare plans

Multiemployer health and welfare plans

Multiemployer health and welfare plans

Multiemployer health and welfare plans

Multiemployer health and welfare plans

plan

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

plan

Multiemployer Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employees covered under ABF NMFA (as a percent)

'

'

'

76.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of multiemployer plans to which ABF currently contributes

'

'

'

25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

44

'

'

Maximum funded percentage of plans in yellow zone

'

'

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum funded percentage of plans in red zone

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum required increase in employer's contribution to multiemployer plans that enter reorganization status (as a percent)

'

'

'

7.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of contributions to the multiemployer pension plans that are in critical status

'

'

'

63.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of contributions to the multiemployer pension plans that are in endangered status

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total contributions to multiemployer plans

'

'

'

$136,233

$131,895

$132,841

$70,020

$68,683

$70,579

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,601

$20,774

$20,807

$12,143

$11,170

$12,022

'

'

$10,001

$9,567

$9,265

$23,468

$21,701

$20,168

'

'

'

$118,000

$113,000

$112,100

Threshold percentage of the entity's contributions relative to total fund contributions, which was exceeded during the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage increase in contribution rate for time worked related to benefit costs

0.02

0.023

0.036

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.076

0.053

0.041

'

'

'

Percentage of contributions to multiemployer pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

55.00%

55.00%

55.00%

50.00%

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actuarially certified funded percentage of multiemployer pension plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47.60%

53.90%

58.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of extension granted by Internal Revenue Service for amortization of unfunded liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2003

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax amounts:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs

($17,044,000)

'

'

'

($86,737,000)

'

'

'

($88,393,000)

'

'

'

($17,044,000)

($86,737,000)

($88,393,000)

'

'

Foreign currency translation

-863,000

'

'

'

-662,000

'

'

'

-691,000

'

'

'

-863,000

-662,000

-691,000

'

'

Total pre-tax amount

-17,907,000

'

'

'

-87,399,000

'

'

'

-89,084,000

'

'

'

-17,907,000

-87,399,000

-89,084,000

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, after-tax amounts:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs

-14,386,000

'

'

'

-56,968,000

'

'

'

-57,979,000

'

'

'

-14,386,000

-56,968,000

-57,979,000

'

'

Foreign currency translation

-526,000

'

'

'

-404,000

'

'

'

-423,000

'

'

'

-526,000

-404,000

-423,000

'

'

Total after-tax amount

-14,912,000

'

'

'

-57,372,000

'

'

'

-58,402,000

'

'

'

-14,912,000

-57,372,000

-58,402,000

'

'

Dividends on Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.03

$0.12

$0.12

$0.12

'

'

Dividend Amount

815,000

805,000

806,000

807,000

807,000

807,000

808,000

797,000

797,000

798,000

797,000

788,000

3,233,000

3,219,000

3,180,000

'

'

Treasury Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of stock repurchases authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

25,000,000

Additional amount of stock repurchases authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

Shares repurchased

1,618,150

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,618,150

'

'

'

'

Aggregate cost of shares repurchased

56,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,800,000

'

'

'

'

Amount of shares available for repurchase under the current buyback program

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18,200,000

'

'

'

'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_2

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Impact on unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss)	'	'	'
Change in the unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), after tax	$18,683,000	($5,830,000)	($27,178,000)
Nonunion Defined Benefit Pension Plan	'	'	'
Impact on unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss)	'	'	'
Change in the unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), pre-tax	66,300,000	'	'
Change in the unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss), after tax	40,500,000	'	'
Curtailment gain, before tax	29,300,000	'	'
Curtailment gain, net of tax	17,900,000	'	'
Net actuarial gain related to change in discount rate, before tax	27,800,000	'	'
Net actuarial gain related to change in discount rate, net of tax	$17,000,000	'	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_3

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	($57,372)	($58,402)	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	36,439	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,021	'	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	42,460	1,030	-22,349
Balance at end of the period	-14,912	-57,372	-58,402
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	-56,968	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	36,561	'	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	6,021	'	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	42,582	'	'
Balance at end of the period	-14,386	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation	'	'	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of the period	-404	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-122	'	'
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax	-122	'	'
Balance at end of the period	($526)	'	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details_4

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$19,461	($16,992)	$9,493
Tax benefit	-3,549	-7,022	-2,987	9,908	4,387	-5,258	5,757	4,374	-3,650	9,260	-3,160
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION	10,346	13,982	4,878	-13,395	-7,929	6,518	11,841	-18,162	15,811	-7,732	6,159
Unrecognized Net Periodic Benefit Costs | Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of actuarial loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,935	'	'
Amortization of prior service credit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	190	'	'
Settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,111	'	'
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,856	'	'
Tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,835	'	'
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($6,021)	'	'

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based compensation	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized	2,200,000	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'	'
Restricted stock activity	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,281,480	'	'
Granted (in shares)	313,550	394,900	334,700
Vested (in shares)	-149,620	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-1,950	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,443,460	1,281,480	'
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$27.71	$14.55	$22.49
Other disclosure	'	'	'
Fair value of stock vested	$1,800,000	$4,300,000	$3,900,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	15,400,000	'	'
Weighted-average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost	'3 years	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'
Stock options activity	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	240,425	'	'
Exercised (in shares)	-99,195	'	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-105,500	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	35,730	240,425	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$27.40	'	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$29.10	'	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$25.23	'	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$29.10	$27.40	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'	'
Options outstanding	'0 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Intrinsic Value	'	'	'
Options outstanding (in dollars)	164,000	'	'
Additional activity related to Company's stock option program	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	330,000	0	79,000
Cash proceeds of options exercised	2,785,000	0	763,000
Tax benefit of options exercised	$109,000	$0	$30,000

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Basic earnings (loss) per share, numerator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	$10,346	$13,982	$4,878	($13,395)	($7,929)	$6,518	$11,841	($18,162)	$15,811		($7,732)		$6,159
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-720		-149		-249
Adjusted net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,091		-7,881		5,910
Basic earnings (loss) per share, denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Weighted-average shares	25,785,485	25,736,810	25,694,327	25,638,333	25,629,309	25,613,315	25,544,455	25,455,607	25,714,205		25,564,752		25,403,073
Earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.52	$0.18	($0.52)	($0.31)	$0.24	$0.44	($0.71)	$0.59	[1]	($0.31)	[1]	$0.23	[1]
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, numerator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	10,346	13,982	4,878	-13,395	-7,929	6,518	11,841	-18,162	15,811		-7,732		6,159
Effect of unvested restricted stock awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-720		-149		-249
Adjusted net income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$15,091		($7,881)		$5,910
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Weighted-average shares	25,785,485	25,736,810	25,694,327	25,638,333	25,629,309	25,613,315	25,544,455	25,455,607	25,714,205		25,564,752		25,403,073
Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	25,793,366	25,736,810	25,694,327	25,638,333	25,629,309	25,613,315	25,544,455	25,455,607	25,714,205		25,564,752		25,403,073
Earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.52	$0.18	($0.52)	($0.31)	$0.24	$0.44	($0.71)	$0.59	[1]	($0.31)	[1]	$0.23	[1]
Outstanding stock awards not included in calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	800,000		700,000		900,000
[1]	The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share. See Note M.

OPERATING_SEGMENT_DATA_Details

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$578,549,000	$623,414,000	$576,899,000	$520,687,000	$537,042,000	$577,546,000	$510,543,000	$440,867,000	$2,299,549,000	$2,065,999,000	$1,907,609,000
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of property and equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-153,000	-735,000	-2,360,000
Pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,111,000	0	1,125,000
Operating expenses	565,047,000	602,912,000	568,482,000	544,037,000	548,058,000	565,313,000	503,342,000	463,854,000	2,280,479,000	2,080,567,000	1,897,850,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	13,502,000	20,502,000	8,417,000	-23,350,000	-11,016,000	12,233,000	7,201,000	-22,987,000	19,070,000	-14,568,000	9,759,000
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest and dividend income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	681,000	808,000	1,069,000
Interest expense and other related financing costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,183,000	-5,273,000	-3,953,000
Other, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,893,000	2,041,000	2,618,000
Other income (expense), net	393,000	502,000	-552,000	47,000	-1,300,000	-457,000	-1,117,000	451,000	391,000	-2,424,000	-266,000
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,461,000	-16,992,000	9,493,000
Freight Transportation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
FINANCIAL STATEMENT OPERATING SEGMENT DATA AND OPERATING RATIOS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum percentage of cities in the United States to which direct service is provided	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	98.00%	'	'
Minimum population of cities in the United States to which direct service is provided	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,000	'	'
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,761,716,000	1,701,495,000	1,714,232,000
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Salaries, wages, and benefits	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,075,259,000	1,071,084,000	1,059,815,000
Fuel, supplies, and expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	332,433,000	329,284,000	333,242,000
Operating taxes and licenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,865,000	43,336,000	45,469,000
Insurance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,823,000	20,742,000	24,481,000
Communications and utilities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,027,000	14,713,000	15,106,000
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	72,971,000	78,672,000	70,767,000
Rents and purchased transportation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	180,689,000	156,810,000	154,363,000
Gain on sale of property and equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-576,000	-711,000	-2,370,000
Pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,831,000	'	1,125,000
Pension settlement expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,361,000	7,365,000	8,297,000
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,751,683,000	1,721,295,000	1,710,295,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,033,000	-19,800,000	3,937,000
Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	246,849,000	132,326,000	0
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,516,000	5,438,000	0
Purchased transportation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	188,561,000	101,559,000	0
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,816,000	22,927,000	0
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	239,893,000	129,924,000	0
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,956,000	2,402,000	0
Domestic & Global Transportation Management	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	105,223,000	66,431,000	41,966,000
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	102,250,000	63,418,000	40,404,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,973,000	3,013,000	1,562,000
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intercompany cost allocations included in operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	600,000	300,000
Increase in operating expenses without cost allocation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	600,000	300,000
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	137,546,000	115,968,000	92,554,000
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	134,272,000	114,033,000	89,572,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,274,000	1,935,000	2,982,000
Household Goods Moving Services	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	82,169,000	77,619,000	85,611,000
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80,319,000	76,927,000	82,893,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,850,000	692,000	2,718,000
Other and eliminations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
OPERATING REVENUES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-33,954,000	-27,840,000	-26,754,000
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-27,938,000	-25,030,000	-25,314,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating income (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($6,016,000)	($2,810,000)	($1,440,000)

OPERATING_SEGMENT_DATA_Details1

OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	$1,017,326	$1,034,462	$916,220
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	26,405	75,251	83,637
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	84,215	85,493	73,742
Assets acquired through notes payable and capital leases	36	37,973	30,410
Amortization of intangibles	4,174	2,261	0
Freight Transportation	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	530,678	550,676	590,777
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	11,091	68,235	78,875
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	72,971	78,672	70,767
Premium Logistics & Expedited Freight Services	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	216,747	222,280	0
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	3,854	1,579	0
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	6,342	3,179	0
Domestic & Global Transportation Management	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	27,836	15,437	8,131
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	286	45	163
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	640	364	197
Emergency & Preventative Maintenance	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	21,517	18,413	13,634
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	1,314	685	307
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	540	497	476
Household Goods Moving Services	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	20,941	21,754	20,687
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	493	416	480
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	1,247	769	645
Other and eliminations	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
ASSETS	199,607	205,902	282,991
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, GROSS	9,367	4,291	3,812
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE	2,475	2,012	1,657
Maximum	'	'	'
Segment reporting information	'	'	'
Assets acquired through notes payable and capital leases	$100	'	'

QUARTERLY_RESULTS_OF_OPERATION2

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Operating revenues	$578,549,000	$623,414,000	$576,899,000	$520,687,000	$537,042,000	$577,546,000	$510,543,000	$440,867,000	$2,299,549,000		$2,065,999,000		$1,907,609,000
Operating expenses	565,047,000	602,912,000	568,482,000	544,037,000	548,058,000	565,313,000	503,342,000	463,854,000	2,280,479,000		2,080,567,000		1,897,850,000
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	13,502,000	20,502,000	8,417,000	-23,350,000	-11,016,000	12,233,000	7,201,000	-22,987,000	19,070,000		-14,568,000		9,759,000
Other income (expense), net	393,000	502,000	-552,000	47,000	-1,300,000	-457,000	-1,117,000	451,000	391,000		-2,424,000		-266,000
Income tax provision (benefit)	3,549,000	7,022,000	2,987,000	-9,908,000	-4,387,000	5,258,000	-5,757,000	-4,374,000	3,650,000		-9,260,000		3,160,000
Net income (loss) attributable to Arkansas Best Corporation	10,346,000	13,982,000	4,878,000	-13,395,000	-7,929,000	6,518,000	11,841,000	-18,162,000	15,811,000		-7,732,000		6,159,000
Earnings (loss) per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.52	$0.18	($0.52)	($0.31)	$0.24	$0.44	($0.71)	$0.59	[1]	($0.31)	[1]	$0.23	[1]
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.52	$0.18	($0.52)	($0.31)	$0.24	$0.44	($0.71)	$0.59	[1]	($0.31)	[1]	$0.23	[1]
Average common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Basic (in shares)	25,785,485	25,736,810	25,694,327	25,638,333	25,629,309	25,613,315	25,544,455	25,455,607	25,714,205		25,564,752		25,403,073
Diluted (in shares)	25,793,366	25,736,810	25,694,327	25,638,333	25,629,309	25,613,315	25,544,455	25,455,607	25,714,205		25,564,752		25,403,073
After-tax adjustment to correct the reserves for workers' compensation and third-party casualty claims	'	'	'	'	$2,700,000	'	'	'	'		'		'
[1]	The Company uses the two‑class method for calculating earnings per share. See Note M.

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS_ENVIRONMENTA1

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, AND OTHER EVENTS (Details) (Environmental Matters, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	state
	tank
Environmental Matters	'	'
Loss contingencies	'	'
Number of underground tanks where the company's subsidiaries store fuel for use in tractors and trucks	65	'
Number of states in which underground tanks are located	20	'
Estimated environmental cleanup costs of properties currently or previously operated by the company	$0.90	$0.90

SCHEDULE_II_VALUATION_AND_QUAL1

SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and revenue adjustments	'	'	'
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	$5,249	$5,957	$3,944
Additions, Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,065	1,524	2,394
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	39	26	2,667
Deductions	2,820	2,258	3,048
Balance at End of Period	4,533	5,249	5,957
Allowance for other accounts receivable	'	'	'
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	1,334	1,226	1,254
Additions, Charged to Costs and Expenses	88	108	-28
Balance at End of Period	1,422	1,334	1,226
Allowance for deferred tax assets	'	'	'
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Period	2,511	5,644	2,455
Additions, Charged to Costs and Expenses	0	791	214
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	0	47	3,971
Deductions	1,483	3,971	996
Balance at End of Period	$1,028	$2,511	$5,644