Forward Air (FWRD) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 09, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FORWARD AIR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	912728
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		30,479,715
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$1,445,406,912

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$41,429	$127,367
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $2,563 in 2014 and $1,919 in 2013	95,326	76,500
Inventories	1,056	1,052
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,648	14,296
Deferred income taxes	2,496	1,145
Total current assets	149,955	220,360
Property and equipment:
Land	16,998	16,998
Buildings	66,477	66,474
Equipment	212,216	178,752
Leasehold improvements	7,957	6,263
Construction in progress	1,540	2,563
Total property and equipment	305,188	271,050
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	132,699	116,287
Net property and equipment	172,489	154,763
Goodwill and other acquired intangibles:
Goodwill	144,412	88,496
Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $40,307 in 2014 and $31,790 in 2013	72,705	40,110
Total net goodwill and other acquired intangibles	217,117	128,606
Other assets	2,244	2,540
Total assets	541,805	506,269
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	20,572	16,267
Accrued payroll and related items	8,122	6,325
Insurance and claims accruals	6,042	5,105
Payables to owner-operators	4,182	4,710
Collections on behalf of customers	374	416
Other accrued expenses	2,571	1,719
Income taxes payable	1,292	0
Current portion of capital lease obligations	276	69
Total current liabilities	43,431	34,611
Capital lease obligations, less current portion	1,275	3
Other long-term liabilities	8,356	8,940
Deferred income taxes	25,180	26,850
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock $0.01 par value; Authorized shares - 5,000,000; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 50,000,000, issued and outstanding shares - 30,255,182 in 2014 and 30,522,079 in 2013	303	305
Additional paid-in capital	130,107	107,726
Retained earnings	333,153	327,834
Total shareholders' equity	463,563	435,865
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$541,805	$506,269

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$2,563	$1,919
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$40,307	$31,790
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	30,255,182	30,522,079
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	30,255,182	30,522,079
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating revenue:
Operating revenue	$780,959	$652,481	$584,446
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	334,576	285,690	252,720
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	182,105	151,097	135,006
Operating leases	33,994	29,310	27,989
Depreciation and amortization	31,133	23,579	21,021
Insurance and claims	15,736	12,619	11,309
Fuel expense	20,148	15,145	10,038
Other operating expenses	66,861	50,686	42,831
Total operating expenses	684,553	568,126	500,914
Income from operations	96,406	84,355	83,532
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-610	-532	-391
Other, net	289	99	14
Total other expense	-321	-433	-377
Income before income taxes	96,085	83,922	83,155
Income taxes	34,916	29,455	30,487
Net income and comprehensive income	$61,169	$54,467	$52,668
Net income per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.99	$1.81	$1.82
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.96	$1.77	$1.78
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.48	$0.40	$0.34

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$286,902	$285	$42,212	$244,405
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		28,553,000
Net and comprehensive income	52,668			52,668
Exercise of stock options	15,740	6	15,734
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		582,000
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	259		259
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		9,000
Share-based compensation	6,050		6,050
Dividends	-9,947		5	-9,952
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	-386			-386
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)		-11,000
Vesting of previously non-vested shares		1	-1
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		62,000
Income tax benefit (expense) from stock options exercised	385		385
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	351,671	292	64,644	286,735
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		29,195,000
Net and comprehensive income	54,467			54,467
Exercise of stock options	33,002	12	32,990
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		1,263,000
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	296		296
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		9,000
Share-based compensation	6,178		6,178
Dividends	-12,141		7	-12,148
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	-866			-866
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)		-23,000
Stock repurchases	-354			-354
Stock repurchases, shares		-9,000
Vesting of previously non-vested shares		1	-1
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		87,000
Income tax benefit (expense) from stock options exercised	3,612		3,612
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	435,865	305	107,726	327,834
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	30,522,079	30,522,000
Net and comprehensive income	61,169			61,169
Exercise of stock options	13,235	5	13,230
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		469,000
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	354		354
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		9,000
Share-based compensation	6,681		6,681
Dividends	-14,795		9	-14,804
Dividends, shares		0
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	-1,083			-1,083
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)		-25,000
Stock repurchases	-39,972	-9		-39,963
Stock repurchases, shares		-882,000
Vesting of previously non-vested shares		2	-2
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		162,000
Income tax benefit (expense) from stock options exercised	2,109		2,109
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$463,563	$303	$130,107	$333,153
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	30,255,182	30,255,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.48	$0.40	$0.34

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income	$61,169	$54,467	$52,668
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	31,133	23,579	21,021
Gain on change in fair value of earn-out liability	0	-615	0
Share-based compensation	6,681	6,178	6,050
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-383	-454	318
Provision for loss on receivables	241	423	199
Provision for revenue adjustments	2,465	2,531	2,003
Deferred income taxes	-3,021	4,856	2,043
Tax benefit for stock options exercised	-2,109	-3,707	-385
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition of business
Accounts receivable	-12,193	1,447	-6,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-280	-215	-1,331
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-199	2,588	-3,477
Income taxes	8,156	-239	-3,981
Net cash provided by operating activities	91,660	90,839	68,586
Investing activities:
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	1,947	1,973	911
Purchases of property and equipment	-39,487	-35,439	-21,353
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-90,172	-45,328	0
Other	2	-129	-263
Net cash used in investing activities	-127,710	-78,923	-20,705
Financing activities:
Payments of debt and capital lease obligations	-9,736	-20,375	-551
Payments on line of credit	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13,235	33,002	15,740
Payments of cash dividends	-14,795	-12,141	-9,947
Repurchase of common stock (repurchase program)	-39,972	-354	0
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	354	296	259
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	-1,083	-866	-386
Tax benefit for stock options exercised	2,109	3,707	385
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-49,888	3,269	5,500
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-85,938	15,185	53,381
Cash at beginning of period	127,367	112,182	58,801
Cash at end of period	$41,429	$127,367	$112,182

Accounting_Policies_Notes

Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	Forward Air Corporation's (“the Company”) services can be classified into three principal reporting segments: Forward Air, Forward Air Solutions (“FASI”) and Total Quality ("TQI").
	Through the Forward Air segment, the Company provide time-definite transportation and related logistics services to the North American deferred air freight market and its activities can be classified into three categories of service: airport-to-airport, logistics, and other. Forward Air’s airport-to-airport service operates a comprehensive national network for the time-definite surface transportation of expedited ground freight. The airport-to-airport service offers customers local pick-up and delivery and scheduled surface transportation of cargo as a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. Forward Air’s logistics services provide expedited truckload brokerage, intermodal drayage and dedicated fleet services. Forward Air’s other services include shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage, and other handling. The Forward Air segment primarily provides its transportation services through a network of terminals located at or near airports in the United States and Canada.
	FASI provides pool distribution services throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest and Southwest continental United States. Pool distribution involves managing high-frequency handling and distribution of time-sensitive product to numerous destinations in specific geographic regions. FASI’s primary customers for this service are regional and nationwide distributors and retailers, such as mall, strip mall and outlet based retail chains.
	TQI is a provider of maximum security and temperature-controlled logistics services, primarily truckload services, to the life sciences sector (pharmaceutical and biotechnology products). In addition to core pharmaceutical services and other cold chain services, TQI provides truckload and less-than-truckload brokerage transportation services.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include Forward Air Corporation and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant areas requiring management estimates include the following key financial areas:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances in which the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company (for example, bankruptcy filings, accounts turned over for collection or litigation), the Company records a specific reserve for these bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves for these bad debts based on the length of time the receivables are past due. Specifically, amounts that are 90 days or more past due are reserved at 50.0% for Forward Air's airport-to-airport and TLX operations, 10.0% for Forward Air's intermodal drayage operations, 25.0% for FASI and 10.0% for TQI's pharmaceutical operations and 50.0% for TQI's non-pharmaceutical operations. If circumstances change (i.e., the Company experiences higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be changed by a material amount. Accounts are written off after all means of collection, including legal action, have been exhausted.
	Allowance for Revenue Adjustments
	The Company’s allowance for revenue adjustments consists of amounts reserved for billing rate changes that are not captured upon load initiation. These adjustments generally arise: (1) when the sales department contemporaneously grants small rate changes (“spot quotes”) to customers that differ from the standard rates in the system; (2) when freight requires dimensionalization or is reweighed resulting in a different required rate; (3) when billing errors occur; and (4) when data entry errors occur. When appropriate, permanent rate changes are initiated and reflected in the system. The Company monitors the manual revenue adjustments closely through the employment of various controls that are in place to ensure that revenue recognition is not compromised and that fraud does not occur. During 2014, average revenue adjustments per month were approximately $205 on average revenue per month of approximately $65,080 (0.3% of monthly revenue). In order to estimate the allowance for revenue adjustments related to ending accounts receivable, the Company prepares an analysis that considers average monthly revenue adjustments and the average lag for identifying and quantifying these revenue adjustments. Based on this analysis, the Company establishes an allowance covering approximately 45-100 days (dependent upon experience in the last twelve months) of average revenue adjustments, adjusted for rebates and billing errors. The lag is periodically adjusted based on actual historical experience. Additionally, the average amount of revenue adjustments per month can vary in relation to the level of sales or based on other factors (such as personnel issues that could result in excessive manual errors or in excessive spot quotes being granted). Both of these significant assumptions are continually evaluated for validity.
	Self-Insurance Loss Reserves
	Given the nature of the Company’s operating environment, the Company is subject to vehicle and general liability, workers’ compensation and employee health insurance claims. To mitigate a portion of these risks, the Company maintains insurance for individual vehicle and general liability claims exceeding $500 and workers’ compensation claims and employee health insurance claims exceeding $250, except in Ohio, where for workers’ compensation we are a qualified self-insured entity with a $500 self-insured retention. The amount of self-insurance loss reserves and loss adjustment expenses is determined based on an estimation process that uses information obtained from both company-specific and industry data, as well as general economic information. The estimation process for self-insurance loss exposure requires management to continuously monitor and evaluate the life cycle of claims. Using data obtained from this monitoring and the Company’s assumptions about the emerging trends, management develops information about the size of ultimate claims based on its historical experience and other available market information. The most significant assumptions used in the estimation process include determining the trend in loss costs, the expected consistency in the frequency and severity of claims incurred but not yet reported, changes in the timing of the reporting of losses from the loss date to the notification date, and expected costs to settle unpaid claims. The Company utilizes a semi-annual actuarial analyses to evaluate open claims and estimate the ongoing development exposure.
	Revenue Recognition
	Operating revenue and related costs are recognized as of the date shipments are completed. The transportation rates the Company charges its customers consist of base transportation rates and fuel surcharge rates.  The revenues earned and related direct freight expenses incurred from the Company’s base transportation services are recognized on a gross basis in revenue and in purchased transportation.  Transportation revenue is recognized on a gross basis as the Company is the primary obligor.  The fuel surcharges billed to customers and paid to owner-operators and third party transportation providers are recorded on a net basis as the Company is not the primary obligor with regards to the fuel surcharges.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents.
	Inventories
	Inventories of tires, replacement parts, supplies, and fuel for equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market utilizing the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method of determining cost. Inventories of tires and replacement parts are not material in the aggregate. Replacement parts are expensed when placed in service, while tires are capitalized and amortized over their expected life. Replacement parts and tires are included as a component of other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for normal repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated based upon the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:
	Buildings		30-40 years
	Equipment		3-10 years
	Leasehold improvements		Lesser of Useful Life or Initial Lease Term
	Depreciation expense for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $22,616, $17,817 and $16,455 respectively.
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified as held and used when the sum of undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any. When the criteria have been met for long-lived assets to be classified as held for sale, the assets are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair market value (less selling costs).
	Operating Leases
	Certain operating leases include rent increases during the initial lease term. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which includes any rent holiday period, and records the difference between the amounts charged to operations and amount paid as rent as a rent liability.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is recorded at cost based on the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but the Company conducts an annual (or more frequently if circumstances indicate possible impairment) impairment test of goodwill for each reportable segment at June 30 of each year.  Other intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. Results of impairment testing are described in Note 2, Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets.
	Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method.  The definite-lived intangible assets of the Company resulting from acquisition activity and the related amortization are described in Note 2, Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets.
	Software Development
	Costs related to software developed or acquired for internal use are expensed or capitalized based on the applicable stage of software development and any capitalized costs are amortized over their estimated useful life.  The Company typically uses a five-year straight line amortization for the capitalized amounts of software development costs.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company had $13,246 and $11,763, respectively, of capitalized software development costs included in property and equipment.  Accumulated amortization on these assets was $9,065 and $7,644 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Included in depreciation expense is amortization of capitalized software development costs.  Amortization of capitalized software development for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,464, $1,228 and $1,100 respectively.  As of December 31, 2014 the estimated amortization expense for the next five years of capitalized software development costs is as follows:
	2015	$	1,374
	2016	1,080
	2017	767
	2018	509
	2019	211
	Total	$	3,941
	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating expenses, respectively.
	Net Income Per Share
	The Company calculates net income per share in accordance with the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Earnings per Share (the “FASB Codification 260”).  Under the FASB Codification 260, basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company's non-vested shares contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are therefore considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income per share pursuant to the two-class method. Net income allocated to participating securities was $404 in 2014. Net losses are not allocated to participating securities in periods in which the Company incurs a net loss. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after considering the additional dilution from any dilutive non-participating securities. The Company's non-participating securities include options and performance shares.
	Share-Based Payments
	The Company’s general practice has been to make a single annual grant of share-based compensation to key employees and to generally make other grants only in connection with new employment or promotions.  In addition, the Company makes annual grants to non-employee directors in conjunction with their annual election to our Board of Directors or at the time of their appointment to the Board of Directors.  For employees, the Company has granted stock options, non-vested shares and performance shares.  For non-employee directors, the Company issued non-vested shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Stock options typically expire seven years from the grant date and vest ratably over a three-year period. The share-based compensation for stock options is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. Based on the Company’s historical experience, forfeitures have been estimated. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the grant-date fair value of options granted.  The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted.  These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Expected dividend yield	1.2	%	1.2	%	0.9	%
	Expected stock price volatility	38.5	%	43.7	%	46.6	%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	0.9	%	0.8	%
	Expected life of options (years)	5.3		5.2		4.2
	The fair value of non-vested shares issued were estimated using the closing market prices for the business day of the grant. The share-based compensation for the non-vested shares is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period or vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated based on our historical experience, but will be adjusted for future changes in forfeiture experience.
	The fair value of the performance shares was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The share-based compensation for performance shares are recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of performance shares granted.  These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
				Year ended
		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Expected stock price volatility	32.5	%	34.5	%	40.8	%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.7	%	0.4	%	0.4	%
	Under the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which has been approved by shareholders, the Company is authorized to issue shares of Common Stock to eligible employees. These shares may be issued at a price equal to 90% of the lesser of the market value on the first day or the last day of each six-month purchase period. Common Stock purchases are paid for through periodic payroll deductions and/or up to two large lump sum contributions.  We recognize share-based compensation on the date of purchase based on the difference between the purchase date fair market value and the employee purchase price.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance on revenue from contracts with customers that will supersede most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is not permitted). The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact of the amended guidance on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and related disclosures.

Acquisitions_Goodwill_and_Othe

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
	Acquisition of CST
	On February 2, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Central States Trucking Co. and Central States Logistics, Inc. (collectively referred to as “CST”). Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and concurrently with the execution of the Agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of CST in exchange for $82,998 in net cash and $11,215 in assumed debt. With the exception of capital leases, the assumed debt was immediately paid in full after funding of the acquisition. The acquisition and settlement of the assumed debt were funded using the Company's cash on hand. Under the purchase agreement, $10,000 of the purchase price was paid into an escrow account to protect the Company against potential unknown liabilities. The amount held in escrow will be remitted to the sellers on February 2, 2015.
	CST provides industry leading container and intermodal drayage services primarily within the Midwest region of the United States. CST also provides dedicated contract and Container Freight Station (“CFS”) warehouse and handling services. The acquisition of CST provides us with a scalable platform for which to enter the intermodal drayage space and thereby continuing to expand and diversify our service offerings. As part of our strategy to scale CST's operations, in September 2014, CST acquired certain assets of Recob Great Lakes Express, Inc. ("RGL") for $1,350 and in November 2014, acquired Multi-Modal Trucking, Inc. and Multi-Modal Services, Inc. (together referred to as "MMT") for approximately $5,825 in cash and $1,000 in available earn out. The MMT earn out is based on acquired operations exceeding 2015 earnings goals, and the earn out was fully accrued as of December 31, 2014. The acquisition of RGL and MMT's assets provided an opportunity for CST to expand into additional Midwest markets.
	The Company incurred total transaction costs related to the acquisitions of approximately $900, which were expensed during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These transaction costs were primarily included in "Other operating expenses" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	The assets, liabilities, and operating results of CST, RGL and MMT ("CST acquisitions") have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the dates of acquisition and have been assigned to the Forward Air reportable segment. The results of CST, RGL and MMT operations are reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 from the dates of acquisition are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Dates of Acquisition to December 31, 2014
	Logistics revenue	$	52,061
	Other revenues	20,253
	Operating income	7,525
	Net income	4,586
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.15
	Diluted	$	0.15
	Acquisition of TQI
	On March 4, 2013, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") with all of the shareholders of TQI to acquire 100% of the outstanding stock. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and concurrently with the execution of the Agreement, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of TQI in exchange for $45,328 in net cash, $20,113 in assumed debt and an available earn-out of up to $5,000. The assumed debt was immediately paid in full after funding of the acquisition. The acquisition and settlement of the assumed debt were funded using the Company's cash on hand. Under the purchase agreement, $4,500 of the purchase price was paid into an escrow account to protect the Company against potential unknown liabilities. The amount held in escrow was remitted to the sellers in September 2014.
	Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company could pay the former shareholders of TQI additional cash consideration from $0 to $5,000 if certain earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") goals are exceeded. The ultimate payout is based on the level by which TQI operating results exceed specified thresholds as defined by the Agreement in both 2013 and 2014. At the time of acquisition the Company recognized an estimated earn-out liability of $615. The fair value of the earn-out liability (level 3) was estimated using an income approach based on the present value of probability-weighted amounts payable under a range of performance scenarios for 2013 and 2014 and a discount rate of 10.9%. However, based on the most probable outcomes the estimated earn-out liability was reduced to $0 and recognized as a gain in our results from operations during the fourth quarter of 2013. TQI's 2014 EBITDA performance did not exceed the goals established by the Agreement and therefore no earn out payments were required.
	The Company incurred total transaction costs related to the acquisition of approximately $943, which was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2013, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These transaction costs were primarily included in "Other operating expenses" expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	The acquisition allows the Company to expand and diversify its complimentary truckload operations while maintaining its goal of offering high-value added services.
	Included in the assumed liabilities of TQI is a liability for unrecognized tax benefits for $1,120. The liability is attributable to TQI not filing income tax returns in all jurisdictions in which it operated. The $1,120 consists of unrecognized tax benefits of $853 and related penalties and interest of $174 and $93, respectively. In accordance with the Agreement, the former shareholders of TQI have indemnified the Company against this tax exposure. As a result, the Company also recognized an offsetting receivable net of the estimated federal tax benefit for $728.
	The assets, liabilities, and operating results of TQI have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition and have been assigned to a new TQI reportable segment. The results of TQI reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		March 4, 2013 to December 31, 2013
	Logistics revenue	$	41,842
	Operating income	3,600
	Net income	1,961
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.07
	Diluted	$	0.06
	Allocations of Purchase Prices
	The following table presents the allocations of the CST acquisitions and TQI purchase prices to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values and resulting residual goodwill (in thousands):
		CST			RGL & MMT			TQI
		2-Feb-14			September & November 2014			4-Mar-13
	Tangible assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	9,339		$	—		$	5,639
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	101			—			1,093
	Property and equipment	2,132			287			5,103
	Other assets	35			—			728
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			947
	Total tangible assets	11,607			287			13,510
	Intangible assets:
	Non-compete agreements	930			92			470
	Trade name	500			—			1,000
	Customer relationships	36,000			3,590			22,300
	Goodwill	51,710			4,206			45,164
	Total intangible assets	89,140			7,888			68,934
	Total assets acquired	100,747			8,175			82,444
	Liabilities assumed:
	Current liabilities	6,535			1,000			4,725
	Other liabilities	—			—			1,735
	Debt and capital lease obligations	11,215			—			20,113
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			10,543
	Total liabilities assumed	17,750			1,000			37,116
	Net assets acquired	$	82,997		$	7,175		$	45,328
	The acquired definite-live intangible assets have the following useful lives:
		Useful Lives
		CST		RGL & MMT		TQI
	Customer relationships	15 years		15 years		15 years
	Non-competes	5 years		5 years		5 years
	Trade names	2 years		-		5 years
	The fair value of the non-compete agreements, trade name and customer relationship assets were estimated using an income approach (level 3). Under this method, an intangible asset's fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To calculate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with each type of asset. The Company believes that the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflect market participant assumptions. The fair value of the TQI and CST trades names were estimated using an income approach, specifically known as the relief from royalty method. The relief from royalty method is based on a hypothetical royalty stream that would be paid if the Company did not own the TQI name and had to license the trade name. The Company derived the hypothetical royalty income from the projected revenues of TQI. Cash flows were assumed to extend through the remaining economic useful life of each class of intangible asset.
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the Company's consolidated results of operations as if the CST acquisitions and TQI acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data).
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
Operating revenue	$	786,048			$	710,107
Income from operations	96,596				91,215
Net income	61,286				58,713
Net income per share
Basic	$	2			$	1.95
Diluted	$	1.97			$	1.91
See note 12 for discussion of subsequent events related to acquisitions.
Goodwill
The following is a summary of the changes in goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014. All goodwill, except the goodwill assigned to TQI, is deductible for tax purposes.
	Forward Air							FASI							TQI					Total
				Accumulated							Accumulated							Accumulated
	Goodwill			Impairment				Goodwill			Impairment				Goodwill			Impairment		Net
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	$	37,926		$	—			$	12,359		$	(6,953	)		$	45,164		$	—	$	88,496
CST acquisitions	55,916			—				—			—				—			—		55,916
Ending balance, December 31, 2014	$	93,842		$	—			$	12,359		$	(6,953	)		$	45,164		$	—	$	144,412
The Company conducted its annual impairment assessments and tests of goodwill for each reporting unit as of June 30, 2014 and no impairment charges were required. The Company conducts an annual (or more frequently if circumstances indicate possible impairment) impairment test of goodwill for each reporting unit at June 30 of each year. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is the Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill. When performing the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the impact of factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance of each reporting unit, litigation and new legislation. If based on the qualitative assessments, the Company believes it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, or periodically as deemed appropriate by management, the Company will prepare an estimation of the respective reporting unit's fair value utilizing a quantitative approach. If a quantitative fair value estimation is required, the Company calculates the fair value of the applicable reportable units, using a combination of discounted projected cash flows and market valuations for comparable companies as of the valuation date. The Company's inputs into the fair value calculations for goodwill are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“the FASB Codification”). If this estimation of fair value indicates that impairment potentially exists, the Company will then measure the amount of the impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the calculated implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these fair value estimates and require adjustments to recorded asset balances.
Through acquisitions between 2005 and 2014, including TQI and CST, the Company acquired customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names of $108,240, $3,272 and $1,500, respectively, having weighted-average useful lives of 13.5, 5.3 and 4.0 years, respectively.  Amortization expense on acquired customer relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $8,517, $5,762 and $4,566, respectively.
The estimated amortization expense for the next five years on definite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	2015				2016				2017				2018				2019
Customer relationships	$	7,387			$	6,856			$	6,741			$	5,236			$	5,156
Non-compete agreements	318				318				310				220				30
Trade name	450				221				200				33				—
Total	$	8,155			$	7,395			$	7,251			$	5,489			$	5,186
Additionally, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified as held and used when the sum of undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any.

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block]	Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
	Credit Facilities
	In February 2012, the Company entered into a new $150,000 credit facility. This facility has a term of five years and matures in February 2017. Interest rates for advances under the facility are LIBOR plus 1.1% based upon covenants related to total indebtedness to earnings (1.3% at December 31, 2014). The agreement contains certain covenants and restrictions related to new indebtedness, investment types and dispositions of property. None of the covenants are expected to significantly affect the Company's operations or ability to pay dividends. No assets are pledged as collateral against the credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. At December 31, 2014, the Company had utilized $9,749 of availability for outstanding letters of credit and had $140,251 of available borrowing capacity outstanding under the credit facility. See note 12 for discussion of subsequent events related to the credit facility.
	Capital Leases
	Through acquisitions, the Company assumed several equipment leases that met the criteria for classification as a capital lease.  The leased equipment is being amortized over the shorter of the lease term or useful life.
	Property and equipment include the following amounts for assets under capital leases:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equipment	$	793		$	685
	Accumulated amortization	(253		)	(680		)
		$	540		$	5
	Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
	Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under non-cancelable capital leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consist of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015		$	349
	2016		347
	2017		347
	2018		347
	2019		320
	Thereafter		55
	Total		1,765
	Less amounts representing interest		214
	Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $276)		$	1,551
	Interest Payments
	Interest payments during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $495, $482 and $365, respectively.  No interest was capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Shareholder's Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shareholdersb Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share
	Preferred Stock
	There are 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 authorized, but no shares have been issued to date.
	Cash Dividends
	During each quarter of 2014 , the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share of Common Stock. During each quarter of 2013 and the third and fourth quarter of 2012, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Common Stock. During the first and second quarter of 2012, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share of Common Stock. On February 10, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.12 per share dividend that will be paid in the first quarter of 2015. The Company expects to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, though each subsequent quarterly dividend is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors.
	Repurchase of Common Stock
	In July 2007, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program (“Repurchase Plan”) for up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased 8,675 shares of common stock under the Repurchase Plan for $354, or $40.84 per share. No shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Also, on February 7, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase authorization for up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. In connection with this action, the board cancelled the Company’s Repurchase Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased 881,979 shares of common stock for $39,972, or $45.32 per share. As of December 31, 2014, 1,118,021 shares remain that may be repurchased.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company had previously reserved for issuance 4,500,000 common shares under the 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”). Options issued under the 1999 Plan have seven to ten-year terms and vested over a one to five year period.
	In May 2008, with the approval of shareholders, the Company amended and restated the 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “1999 Amended Plan”) to reserve for issuance an additional 3,000,000 common shares, increasing the total number of reserved common shares under the 1999 Amended Plan to 7,500,000. As of December 31, 2014, there were approximately 746,000 shares remaining available for grant.
	Employee Activity - Options
	The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
						Average							Average							Average
		Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise
		0				Price			0				Price			0				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	1,732				$	27		2,874				$	26		3,363				$	26
	Granted	106				43			118				38			94				37
	Exercised	(450		)		28			(1,260		)		26			(570		)		27
	Forfeited	(25		)		37			—				—			(13		)		29
	Outstanding at end of year	1,363				$	28		1,732				$	27		2,874				$	26
	Exercisable at end of year	1,160				$	26		1,514				$	26		2,487				$	26
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year	$	14						$	14						$	13
	Aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised	$	7,259						$	15,477						$	3,924
	Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding	$	24,425
	Average aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable options	$	23,274
												Outstanding						Exercisable
										Weighted-		Weighted-						Weighted-
	Range of							Number		Average		Average			Number			Average
	Exercise							Outstanding		Remaining		Exercise			Exercisable			Exercise
	Price							0		Contractual Life		Price			0			Price
	$	22.47		-	24.98			672		1.7		$	22.66		672			$	22.66
	28.61			-	29.44			401		0.9		28.95			401			28.95
	36.55			-	41.8			184		4.7		37.03			87			36.9
	42.48			-	45.97			106		6.2		43.17			—			—
	$	22.47		-	45.97			1,363		2.2		$	28.05		1,160			$	25.91
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
	Shared-based compensation for options	$	1,302			$	1,410		$	2,585
	Tax benefit for option compensation	$	497			$	508		$	713
	Unrecognized compensation cost for options, net of estimated forfeitures	$	1,632
	Employee Activity – Non-vested shares
	Non-vested share grants to employees vest ratably over a three-year period. The following tables summarize the Company's employee non-vested share activity and related information:
		Year ended
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
		Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average
		Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date
		0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value
	Outstanding and non-vested at beginning of year	186				$	35		168				$	33		108				$	29
	Granted	99				42			98				37			103				37
	Vested	(94		)		43			(68		)		37			(36		)		29
	Forfeited	(1		)		37			(12		)		36			(7		)		33
	Outstanding and non-vested at end of year	190				$	40		186				$	35		168				$	33
	Aggregate grant date fair value	$	7,585						$	6,588						$	5,579
	Total fair value of shares vested during the year	$	4,008						$	2,503						$	1,249
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
	Shared-based compensation for non-vested shares	$	3,626			$	3,058		$	2,039
	Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation	$	1,385			$	1,165		$	785
Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares, net of estimated forfeitures	$	4,325
Employee Activity – Performance shares
In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted performance shares to key employees. Under the terms of the performance share agreements, on the third anniversary of the grant date, the Company will issue to the employees a calculated number of common stock shares based on the three year performance of the Company's common stock share price as compared to the share price performance of a selected peer group. No shares may be issued if the Company share price performance outperforms 30% or less of the peer group, but the number of shares issued may be doubled if the Company share price performs better than 90% of the peer group.
The following tables summarize the Company's employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information:
	Year ended
	2014							2013							2012
					Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
	Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average
	Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date
	0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value
Outstanding and non-vested at beginning of year	88				$	37		62				$	36		38				$	30
Granted	23				48			26				40			24				45
Additional shares awarded based on performance	19				30			—				—			—				—
Vested	(56		)		30			—				—			—				—
Forfeited	—				—			—				—			—				—
Outstanding and non-vested at end of year	74				$	44		88				$	37		62				$	36
Aggregate grant date fair value	$	3,279						$	3,278						$	2,205
	Year ended
	December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
Shared-based compensation for performance shares	$	1,098			$	1,055		$	699
Tax benefit for performance share compensation	$	419			$	402		$	269
Unrecognized compensation cost for performance shares, net of estimated forfeitures	$	1,225
Employee Activity – Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the ESPP at December 31, 2014, the Company is authorized to issue up to a remaining 403,792 shares of Common Stock to employees of the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, participants under the plan purchased 8,530, 8,800, and 8,846 shares, respectively, at an average price of $41.51, $33.68, and $29.26 per share, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, which is equal to the discount from the market value of the Common Stock at the end of each six month purchase period, was $7.74, $7.52, and $4.47 per share, respectively. Share-based compensation expense of $66, $66, and $40 was recognized in salaries, wages and employee benefits, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Non-employee Directors – Non-vested shares
On May 23, 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s 2006 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “2006 Plan”).  The Company’s shareholders then approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “Amended Plan”) on May 22, 2007.  The Amended Plan was then further amended and restated on December 17, 2008.  Under the Amended Plan, on the first business day after each Annual Meeting of Shareholders, each non-employee director will automatically be granted an award (the “Annual Grant”), in such form and size as the Board determines from year to year.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board, Annual Grants will become vested and nonforfeitable one year after the date of grant so long as the non-employee director’s service with the Company does not earlier terminate.  Each director may elect to defer receipt of the shares under a non-vested share award until the director terminates service on the Board of Directors.  If a director elects to defer receipt, the Company will issue deferred stock units to the director, which do not represent actual ownership
in shares and the director will not have voting rights or other incidents of ownership until the shares are issued.  However, the Company will credit the director with dividend equivalent payments in the form of additional deferred stock units for each cash dividend payment made by the Company.
The following tables summarize the Company's non-employee non-vested share activity and related information:
	Year ended
	2014							2013							2012
	Non-vested							Non-vested							Non-vested
	Shares and				Weighted-			Shares and				Weighted-			Shares and				Weighted-
	Deferred				Average			Deferred				Average			Deferred				Average
	Stock Units				Grant Date			Stock Units				Grant Date			Stock Units				Grant Date
	0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value
Outstanding and non-vested at beginning of year	15				$	38		20				$	32		24				$	33
Granted	15				44			15				38			20				32
Vested	(15		)		38			(20		)		32			(24		)		32
Forfeited	—				—			—				—			—				—
Outstanding and non-vested at end of year	15				$	44		15				$	38		20				$	32
Aggregate grant date fair value	$	650						$	560						$	640
Total fair value of shares vested during the year	$	632						$	762						$	752
	Year ended
	December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
	2014				2013			2012
Shared-based compensation for non-vested shares	$	589			$	589		$	687
Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation	$	225			$	225		$	264
Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares, net of estimated forfeitures	$	256
Non-employee Directors - Options
In addition to the above activity, each May from 1995 to 2005, options were granted to the non-employee directors of the Company.  The options have terms of ten years and are fully exercisable.  The following table summarizes the Company’s non-employee stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	2014							2013							2012
					Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
					Average							Average							Average
	Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise
	0				Price			0				Price			0				Price
Outstanding at beginning of year	26				$	23		29				$	23		41				$	21
Granted	—				—			—				—			—				—
Exercised	(18		)		22			(3		)		20			(12		)		16
Forfeited	—				—			—				—			—				—
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year	8				$	26		26				$	23		29				$	23
Aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised	$	412						$	54						$	207
Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable	$	151
At December 31, 2014, weighted average remaining contractual term for these options was 0.4 years.
Net Income per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of net income per basic and diluted share:
	2014				2013			2012
Numerator:
Net income and comprehensive income	$	61,169			$	54,467		$	52,668
Income allocated to participating securities	(404		)		—			—
Numerator for net income and comprehensive income to common shareholders	60,765				54,467			52,668
Denominator:
Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average shares (in thousands)	30,599				30,135			28,967
Effect of dilutive stock options (in thousands)	431				615			528
Effect of dilutive performance shares (in thousands)	42				12			41
Denominator for diluted net income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares (in thousands)	31,072				30,762			29,536
Basic net income per share	$	1.99			$	1.81		$	1.82
Diluted net income per share	$	1.96			$	1.77		$	1.78
The number of instruments that could potentially dilute net income per basic share in the future, but that were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented, are as follows:
	2014			2013			2012
Anti-dilutive stock options (in thousands)	99			192			226
Anti-dilutive performance shares (in thousands)	—			—			22
Total anti-dilutive shares (in thousands)	99			192			248

Income_Taxes_Notes

Income Taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	33,631		$	22,466		$	24,981
	State	4,306			2,133			3,462
		37,937			24,599			28,443
	Deferred:
	Federal	(2,102		)	4,367			2,452
	State	(919		)	489			(408		)
		(3,021		)	4,856			2,044
		$	34,916		$	29,455		$	30,487
	The tax benefit associated with the exercise of stock options and the vesting of non-vested shares recorded to additional paid in capital during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $2,109, $3,612 and $385, respectively, and are reflected as an increase in additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity.
	The historical income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to income before income taxes as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax expense at the statutory rate	$	33,630		$	29,373		$	29,125
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,879			1,876			1,842
	Incentive stock options	(96		)	(908		)	(154		)
	Meals and entertainment	186			139			172
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	39			(85		)	(39		)
	Federal income tax credits	(533		)	(1,023		)	(619		)
	Other	(189		)	83			160
		$	34,916		$	29,455		$	30,487
	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 Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	6,313		$	4,287
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,002			745
	Share-based compensation	5,698			6,066
	Accruals for income tax contingencies	300			547
	Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	534			854
	Net operating loss carryforwards	280			253
	Total deferred tax assets	14,127			12,752
	Valuation allowance	(273		)	(234		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	13,854			12,518
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax over book depreciation	19,222			21,806
	Non-compete agreements	3,639			5,149
	Prepaid expenses deductible when paid	2,488			2,354
	Goodwill	11,189			8,914
	Total deferred tax liabilities	36,538			38,223
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(22,684	)	$	(25,705	)
	The balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes is as follows:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current assets	$	2,496		$	1,145
	Noncurrent liabilities	(25,180		)	(26,850		)
		$	(22,684	)	$	(25,705	)
	Total income tax payments, net of refunds, during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $30,087, $25,168 and $32,214, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $6,500 and $5,468, respectively, that will expire between 2015 and 2029. The use of these state net operating losses is limited to the future taxable income of separate legal entities. Based on expectations of future taxable income, management believes that it is more likely than not that the results of operations for these separate legal entities will not generate sufficient taxable income to realize these net operating loss benefits for state loss carryforwards.  As a result, a valuation allowance has been provided for most of these state loss carryforwards. The valuation allowance on these state loss carryforwards increased $39 during 2013 but decreased $85 during 2012.
	Income Tax Contingencies
	The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and Canada. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:
		Liability for
		Unrecognized Tax
		Benefits
	Balance at December 31, 2011	481
	Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities	(204		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	277
	Additions for tax positions of current year	209
	Additions for tax positions of prior years - TQI	853
	Balance at December 31, 2013	1,339
	Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities	(697		)
Additions for tax positions of prior years - TQI	63
Additions for tax positions of current year	66
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	771
Included in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are tax positions of $771 and $1,339, respectively, which represents tax positions where the realization of the ultimate benefit is uncertain and the disallowance of which would affect the Company’s annual effective income tax rate.
Included in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, are accrued penalties of $170 and $277, respectively.  The liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 also included accrued interest of $414 and $299, respectively.

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	Operating Leases
	The Company leases certain facilities under noncancellable operating leases that expire in various years through 2020. Certain leases may be renewed for periods varying from one to ten years.  Primarily, through acquisitions, the Company assumed several operating leases for tractors, straight trucks and trailers with original lease terms between three and six years.  These leases expire in various years through 2021 and may not be renewed beyond the original term.
	Sublease rental income, was $980, $914 and $813 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In 2015, the Company expects to receive aggregate future minimum rental payments under noncancellable subleases of approximately $74.  Noncancellable subleases expire between 2015 and 2017.
	Future minimum rental payments under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	22,295
	2016	16,909
	2017	11,452
	2018	7,563
	2019	3,827
	Thereafter	2,470
	Total	$	64,516

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary, routine litigation incidental to and arising in the normal course of business.  The Company does not believe that any of these pending actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The primary claims in the Company’s business relate to workers’ compensation, property damage, vehicle liability and employee medical benefits. Most of the Company’s insurance coverage provides for self-insurance levels with primary and excess coverage which management believes is sufficient to adequately protect the Company from catastrophic claims. Such insurance coverage above the applicable self-insurance levels continues to be an important part of the Company's risk management process.
	In the opinion of management, adequate provision has been made for all incurred claims up to the self-insured limits, including provision for estimated claims incurred but not reported.
	The Company estimates its self-insurance loss exposure by evaluating the merits and circumstances surrounding individual known claims and by performing hindsight and actuarial analysis to determine an estimate of probable losses on claims incurred but not reported.  Such losses could be realized immediately as the events underlying the claims have already occurred as of the balance sheet dates.
	Because of the uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of outstanding claims, as well as uncertainty regarding claims incurred but not reported, it is possible that management’s provision for these losses could change materially in the near term. However, no estimate can currently be made of the range of additional loss that is at least reasonably possible.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had commitments to purchase various trailers, vehicles and forklifts for approximately $5,708 during 2015.

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Notes

Employee Benefit Plan (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Employee Benefit Plan
	The Company has a retirement savings plan (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan whereby employees who have completed 90 days of service, a minimum of 1,000 hours of service and are age 21 or older are eligible to participate. The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to make contributions of 2.0% to 80.0% of their annual compensation. For all periods presented, employer contributions were made at 25.0% of the employee’s contribution up to a maximum of 6.0% of total annual compensation, except where government limitations prohibit.
	Employer contributions vest 20.0% after two years of service and continue vesting 20.0% per year until fully vested. The Company’s matching contributions expensed in 2014, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $895, $823 and $675, respectively.

Financial_Instruments_Notes

Financial Instruments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block]	Financial Instruments
	Off Balance Sheet Risk
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had letters of credit outstanding totaling $9,749.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
	Accounts receivable and accounts payable: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value based on their short-term nature.
	The Company’s credit facility at December 31, 2014 bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.1% based upon covenants related to total indebtedness to earnings.  Using interest rate quotes currently available in the market and remaining cash flows on these arrangements, the Company estimated the fair value of its outstanding capital lease obligations as follows:
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Capital lease obligations	$	1,551	$	1,578	$	72	$	99
	The Company's fair value calculations for the above financial instruments are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in the FASB Codification.

Segment_Reporting_Notes

Segment Reporting (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	The Company operates in three reportable segments based on information available to and used by the chief operating decision maker. Forward Air, which includes our Forward Air and CST operating segments, provides time-definite transportation and logistics services including expedited truckload and intermodal drayage. FASI provides pool distribution services primarily to regional and national distributors and retailers. TQI is a provider of maximum security and temperature-controlled logistics services, primarily truckload services, to the life sciences sector (pharmaceutical and biotechnology products).
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Segment data includes intersegment revenues. Assets and costs of the corporate headquarters are allocated to the segments based on usage. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on net income (loss). The Company’s business is conducted in the U.S. and Canada.
	The following tables summarize segment information about net income and assets used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company in making decisions regarding allocation of assets and resources as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Year ended December 31, 2014	Forward Air		FASI		TQI		Eliminations			Consolidated
	External revenues	$	608,118	$	124,382	$	48,459	$	—		$	780,959
	Intersegment revenues	4,219		831		365		(5,415		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	21,721		5,811		3,601		—			31,133
	Share-based compensation expense	6,470		176		35		—			6,681
	Interest expense	602		2		6		—			610
	Interest income	8		—		—		—			8
	Income tax expense	31,792		2,203		921		—			34,916
	Net income	53,985		3,790		3,394		—			61,169
	Total assets	607,765		47,516		88,781		(202,257		)	541,805
	Capital expenditures	26,170		7,133		6,184		—			39,487
	Year ended December 31, 2013	Forward Air		FASI		TQI		Eliminations			Consolidated
	External revenues	$	497,993	$	112,766	$	41,722	$	—		$	652,481
	Intersegment revenues	3,075		645		120		(3,840		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	16,222		4,945		2,412		—			23,579
	Share-based compensation expense	5,959		140		79		—			6,178
	Interest expense	513		8		11		—			532
	Interest income	36		—		1		—			37
	Income tax expense	26,981		846		1,628		—			29,455
	Net income	51,251		1,255		1,961		—			54,467
	Total assets	478,790		42,049		85,490		(100,060		)	506,269
	Capital expenditures	25,017		6,901		3,521		—			35,439
	Year ended December 31, 2012	Forward Air		FASI		TQI		Eliminations			Consolidated
	External revenues	$	500,621	$	83,825	$	—	$	—		$	584,446
	Intersegment revenues	1,116		1,152		—		(2,268		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	16,356		4,665		—		—			21,021
	Share-based compensation expense	5,857		193		—		—			6,050
	Interest expense	369		22		—		—			391
	Interest income	41		—		—		—			41
	Income tax expense	30,053		434		—		—			30,487
	Net income	51,127		1,541		—		—			52,668
	Total assets	395,936		37,135		—		(33,884		)	399,187
	Capital expenditures	15,910		5,443		—		—			21,353

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014
		31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	Operating revenue	$	171,569	$	193,852	$	201,477	$	214,061
	Income from operations	16,271		27,595		26,906		25,634
	Net income	10,202		17,178		16,744		17,045
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.33	$	0.56	$	0.55	$	0.56
	Diluted	$	0.33	$	0.55	$	0.54	$	0.55
		2013
		31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	Operating revenue	$	141,560	$	159,804	$	170,033	$	181,084
	Income from operations	15,790		22,505		22,857		23,203
	Net income	10,855		13,831		14,197		15,584
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.37	$	0.46	$	0.47	$	0.51
	Diluted	$	0.36	$	0.45	$	0.46	$	0.5

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	12.        Subsequent Event
	Pending Acquisition
	On February 4, 2015, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) to acquire CLP Towne Inc. (“Towne”). Upon completion of the Merger, Towne will be an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2015, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions, including among others the continuing accuracy of representations and warranties, compliance with covenants and agreements in the Merger Agreement and the execution of restrictive covenants agreements by certain equity holders.
	The Company will pay aggregate cash consideration of approximately $125,000. The purchase price may be increased or reduced based upon Towne’s net working capital as of the closing date. The Merger Agreement also provides that $16,500 of the $125,000 purchase price will be placed into an escrow account, with $2,000 of such amount being available to settle any shortfall in Towne’s net working capital and with $14,500 of such amount being available for a period of time to settle certain possible claims against Towne’s common stockholders for indemnification. To the extent the escrow fund is insufficient, certain equity holders have agreed to indemnify the Company, subject to certain limitations set forth in the Merger Agreement, as a result of inaccuracies in or breaches of certain of Towne’s representations, warranties, covenants and agreements and other matters. The Company intends to finance the Merger with borrowings under its credit facility.
	New Credit Facility
	On February 4, 2015, the Company entered into a five-year senior, unsecured credit facility (the “Facility”) with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $275,000, including a revolving credit facility of $150,000 with a sublimit of $25,000 for letters of credit and a sublimit of $15,000 for swing line loans. The Facility also includes a term loan facility of $125,000, which is available for ninety (90) days following closing, and which, if drawn, is payable in quarterly installments of 11.1% of the original principal amount of the term loan plus accrued and unpaid interest, and which matures in March 2017. The revolving credit facility is scheduled to expire in February 2020 and may be used to refinance existing indebtedness of the Company and for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Facility replaced the Company’s prior existing $150,000 unsecured revolving credit facility. Unless the Company elects otherwise under the credit agreement, interest on borrowings under the Facility are based on the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the administrative agent's prime rate and (c) the LIBOR Rate plus 1.0%, in each case plus a margin that can range from 0.1% to 0.6% with respect to the term loan facility and from 0.3% to 0.8% with respect to the revolving credit facility depending on the Company’s ratio of consolidated funded indebtedness to earnings as set forth in the credit agreement. The Facility contains financial covenants and other covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company, without the approval of the lenders, to engage in certain mergers, consolidations, asset sales, investments, transactions or to incur liens or indebtedness, as set forth in the credit agreement.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
	Col. A		Col. B		Col. C					Col. D				Col. E
			Balance at		Charged to			Charged to		Deductions				Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and			Other Accounts		-Describe				End of
			of Period		Expenses			Described						Period
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,583	$	241		$	—	$	(331	)	(2)	$	2,155
	Allowance for revenue adjustments	(1)	336		2,465			—		2,393			(3)	408
	Income tax valuation		234		39			—		—				273
			2,153		2,745			—		2,062				2,836
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,149	$	423		$	—	$	(11	)	(2)	$	1,583
	Allowance for revenue adjustments	(1)	295		2,531			—		2,490			(3)	336
	Income tax valuation		319		(85		)	—		—				234
			1,763		2,869			—		2,479				2,153
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,219	$	199		$	—	$	269		(2)	$	1,149
	Allowance for revenue adjustments	(1)	284		2,003			—		1,992			(3)	295
	Income tax valuation		348		(29		)	—		—				319
			1,851		2,173			—		2,261				1,763
	(1) Represents an allowance for adjustments to accounts receivable due to disputed rates, accessorial charges and other aspects of previously billed shipments.
	(2) Represents uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries
	(3) Represents adjustments to billed accounts receivable

Accounting_Policies_Accounting

Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant areas requiring management estimates include the following key financial areas:
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances in which the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company (for example, bankruptcy filings, accounts turned over for collection or litigation), the Company records a specific reserve for these bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes reserves for these bad debts based on the length of time the receivables are past due. Specifically, amounts that are 90 days or more past due are reserved at 50.0% for Forward Air's airport-to-airport and TLX operations, 10.0% for Forward Air's intermodal drayage operations, 25.0% for FASI and 10.0% for TQI's pharmaceutical operations and 50.0% for TQI's non-pharmaceutical operations. If circumstances change (i.e., the Company experiences higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company), the estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could be changed by a material amount. Accounts are written off after all means of collection, including legal action, have been exhausted.
	Allowance for Revenue Adjustments
	The Company’s allowance for revenue adjustments consists of amounts reserved for billing rate changes that are not captured upon load initiation. These adjustments generally arise: (1) when the sales department contemporaneously grants small rate changes (“spot quotes”) to customers that differ from the standard rates in the system; (2) when freight requires dimensionalization or is reweighed resulting in a different required rate; (3) when billing errors occur; and (4) when data entry errors occur. When appropriate, permanent rate changes are initiated and reflected in the system. The Company monitors the manual revenue adjustments closely through the employment of various controls that are in place to ensure that revenue recognition is not compromised and that fraud does not occur. During 2014, average revenue adjustments per month were approximately $205 on average revenue per month of approximately $65,080 (0.3% of monthly revenue). In order to estimate the allowance for revenue adjustments related to ending accounts receivable, the Company prepares an analysis that considers average monthly revenue adjustments and the average lag for identifying and quantifying these revenue adjustments. Based on this analysis, the Company establishes an allowance covering approximately 45-100 days (dependent upon experience in the last twelve months) of average revenue adjustments, adjusted for rebates and billing errors. The lag is periodically adjusted based on actual historical experience. Additionally, the average amount of revenue adjustments per month can vary in relation to the level of sales or based on other factors (such as personnel issues that could result in excessive manual errors or in excessive spot quotes being granted). Both of these significant assumptions are continually evaluated for validity.
	Self-Insurance Loss Reserves
	Given the nature of the Company’s operating environment, the Company is subject to vehicle and general liability, workers’ compensation and employee health insurance claims. To mitigate a portion of these risks, the Company maintains insurance for individual vehicle and general liability claims exceeding $500 and workers’ compensation claims and employee health insurance claims exceeding $250, except in Ohio, where for workers’ compensation we are a qualified self-insured entity with a $500 self-insured retention. The amount of self-insurance loss reserves and loss adjustment expenses is determined based on an estimation process that uses information obtained from both company-specific and industry data, as well as general economic information. The estimation process for self-insurance loss exposure requires management to continuously monitor and evaluate the life cycle of claims. Using data obtained from this monitoring and the Company’s assumptions about the emerging trends, management develops information about the size of ultimate claims based on its historical experience and other available market information. The most significant assumptions used in the estimation process include determining the trend in loss costs, the expected consistency in the frequency and severity of claims incurred but not yet reported, changes in the timing of the reporting of losses from the loss date to the notification date, and expected costs to settle unpaid claims. The Company utilizes a semi-annual actuarial analyses to evaluate open claims and estimate the ongoing development exposure.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	Operating revenue and related costs are recognized as of the date shipments are completed. The transportation rates the Company charges its customers consist of base transportation rates and fuel surcharge rates.  The revenues earned and related direct freight expenses incurred from the Company’s base transportation services are recognized on a gross basis in revenue and in purchased transportation.  Transportation revenue is recognized on a gross basis as the Company is the primary obligor.  The fuel surcharges billed to customers and paid to owner-operators and third party transportation providers are recorded on a net basis as the Company is not the primary obligor with regards to the fuel surcharges.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash and cash equivalents.
Inventories, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories
	Inventories of tires, replacement parts, supplies, and fuel for equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market utilizing the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method of determining cost. Inventories of tires and replacement parts are not material in the aggregate. Replacement parts are expensed when placed in service, while tires are capitalized and amortized over their expected life. Replacement parts and tires are included as a component of other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Property and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for normal repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated based upon the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:
	Buildings		30-40 years
	Equipment		3-10 years
	Leasehold improvements		Lesser of Useful Life or Initial Lease Term
	Depreciation expense for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $22,616, $17,817 and $16,455 respectively.
	The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified as held and used when the sum of undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any. When the criteria have been met for long-lived assets to be classified as held for sale, the assets are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair market value (less selling costs).
Operating Leases, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Operating Leases
	Certain operating leases include rent increases during the initial lease term. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which includes any rent holiday period, and records the difference between the amounts charged to operations and amount paid as rent as a rent liability.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is recorded at cost based on the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but the Company conducts an annual (or more frequently if circumstances indicate possible impairment) impairment test of goodwill for each reportable segment at June 30 of each year.  Other intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. Results of impairment testing are described in Note 2, Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets.
	Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method.  The definite-lived intangible assets of the Company resulting from acquisition activity and the related amortization are described in Note 2, Acquisition, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets.
Software Development, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Software Development
	Costs related to software developed or acquired for internal use are expensed or capitalized based on the applicable stage of software development and any capitalized costs are amortized over their estimated useful life.  The Company typically uses a five-year straight line amortization for the capitalized amounts of software development costs.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company had $13,246 and $11,763, respectively, of capitalized software development costs included in property and equipment.  Accumulated amortization on these assets was $9,065 and $7,644 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Included in depreciation expense is amortization of capitalized software development costs.  Amortization of capitalized software development for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1,464, $1,228 and $1,100 respectively.  As of December 31, 2014 the estimated amortization expense for the next five years of capitalized software development costs is as follows:
	2015	$	1,374
	2016	1,080
	2017	767
	2018	509
	2019	211
	Total	$	3,941
Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and operating expenses, respectively.
Net Income Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Net Income Per Share
	The Company calculates net income per share in accordance with the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Earnings per Share (the “FASB Codification 260”).  Under the FASB Codification 260, basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company's non-vested shares contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are therefore considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income per share pursuant to the two-class method. Net income allocated to participating securities was $404 in 2014. Net losses are not allocated to participating securities in periods in which the Company incurs a net loss.
Share-based Payments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Payments
	The Company’s general practice has been to make a single annual grant of share-based compensation to key employees and to generally make other grants only in connection with new employment or promotions.  In addition, the Company makes annual grants to non-employee directors in conjunction with their annual election to our Board of Directors or at the time of their appointment to the Board of Directors.  For employees, the Company has granted stock options, non-vested shares and performance shares.  For non-employee directors, the Company issued non-vested shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Stock options typically expire seven years from the grant date and vest ratably over a three-year period. The share-based compensation for stock options is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. Based on the Company’s historical experience, forfeitures have been estimated. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the grant-date fair value of options granted.  The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted.  These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Expected dividend yield	1.2	%	1.2	%	0.9	%
	Expected stock price volatility	38.5	%	43.7	%	46.6	%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	0.9	%	0.8	%
	Expected life of options (years)	5.3		5.2		4.2
	The fair value of non-vested shares issued were estimated using the closing market prices for the business day of the grant. The share-based compensation for the non-vested shares is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period or vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated based on our historical experience, but will be adjusted for future changes in forfeiture experience.
	The fair value of the performance shares was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The share-based compensation for performance shares are recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of performance shares granted.  These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
				Year ended
		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Expected stock price volatility	32.5	%	34.5	%	40.8	%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.7	%	0.4	%	0.4	%
	Under the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which has been approved by shareholders, the Company is authorized to issue shares of Common Stock to eligible employees. These shares may be issued at a price equal to 90% of the lesser of the market value on the first day or the last day of each six-month purchase period. Common Stock purchases are paid for through periodic payroll deductions and/or up to two large lump sum contributions.  We recognize share-based compensation on the date of purchase based on the difference between the purchase date fair market value and the employee purchase price.

Accounting_Policies_Depreciati

Accounting Policies Depreciation Calculation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated based upon the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:
	Buildings	30-40 years
	Equipment	3-10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of Useful Life or Initial Lease Term

Accounting_Policies_Capitalize

Accounting Policies Capitalized Software Development Amortization Expense (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Capitalized Software Development Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Software Development, Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2014 the estimated amortization expense for the next five years of capitalized software development costs is as follows:
	2015	$	1,374
	2016	1,080
	2017	767
	2018	509
	2019	211
	Total	$	3,941
	The estimated amortization expense for the next five years on definite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
	Customer relationships	$	7,387	$	6,856	$	6,741	$	5,236	$	5,156
	Non-compete agreements	318		318		310		220		30
	Trade name	450		221		200		33		—
	Total	$	8,155	$	7,395	$	7,251	$	5,489	$	5,186

Accounting_Policies_Stock_Opti

Accounting Policies Stock Option Assumptions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted.  These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Expected dividend yield	1.2	%	1.2	%	0.9	%
	Expected stock price volatility	38.5	%	43.7	%	46.6	%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.6	%	0.9	%	0.8	%
	Expected life of options (years)	5.3		5.2		4.2
	The fair value of non-vested shares issued were estimated using the closing market prices for the business day of the grant. The share-based compensation for the non-vested shares is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period or vesting period. Forfeitures are estimated based on our historical experience, but will be adjusted for future changes in forfeiture experience.
	The fair value of the performance shares was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The share-based compensation for performance shares are recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of performance shares granted.  These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
				Year ended
		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Expected stock price volatility	32.5	%	34.5	%	40.8	%
	Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.7	%	0.4	%	0.4	%

Acquisitions_Goodwill_and_Othe1

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the allocations of the CST acquisitions and TQI purchase prices to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values and resulting residual goodwill (in thousands):
		CST			RGL & MMT			TQI
		2-Feb-14			September & November 2014			4-Mar-13
	Tangible assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	9,339		$	—		$	5,639
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	101			—			1,093
	Property and equipment	2,132			287			5,103
	Other assets	35			—			728
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			947
	Total tangible assets	11,607			287			13,510
	Intangible assets:
	Non-compete agreements	930			92			470
	Trade name	500			—			1,000
	Customer relationships	36,000			3,590			22,300
	Goodwill	51,710			4,206			45,164
	Total intangible assets	89,140			7,888			68,934
	Total assets acquired	100,747			8,175			82,444
	Liabilities assumed:
	Current liabilities	6,535			1,000			4,725
	Other liabilities	—			—			1,735
	Debt and capital lease obligations	11,215			—			20,113
	Deferred income taxes	—			—			10,543
	Total liabilities assumed	17,750			1,000			37,116
	Net assets acquired	$	82,997		$	7,175		$	45,328
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The results of CST, RGL and MMT operations are reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 from the dates of acquisition are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Dates of Acquisition to December 31, 2014
	Logistics revenue	$	52,061
	Other revenues	20,253
	Operating income	7,525
	Net income	4,586
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.15
	Diluted	$	0.15
	The results of TQI reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		March 4, 2013 to December 31, 2013
	Logistics revenue	$	41,842
	Operating income	3,600
	Net income	1,961
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	0.07
	Diluted	$	0.06
	The acquired definite-live intangible assets have the following useful lives:
		Useful Lives
		CST		RGL & MMT		TQI
	Customer relationships	15 years		15 years		15 years
	Non-competes	5 years		5 years		5 years
	Trade names	2 years		-		5 years
	The fair value of the non-compete agreements, trade name and customer relationship assets were estimated using an income approach (level 3). Under this method, an intangible asset's fair value is equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows (excess earnings) attributable solely to the intangible asset over its remaining useful life. To calculate fair value, the Company used cash flows discounted at rates considered appropriate given the inherent risks associated with each type of asset. The Company believes that the level and timing of cash flows appropriately reflect market participant assumptions. The fair value of the TQI and CST trades names were estimated using an income approach, specifically known as the relief from royalty method. The relief from royalty method is based on a hypothetical royalty stream that would be paid if the Company did not own the TQI name and had to license the trade name. The Company derived the hypothetical royalty income from the projected revenues of TQI. Cash flows were assumed to extend through the remaining economic useful life of each class of intangible asset.
	The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the Company's consolidated results of operations as if the CST acquisitions and TQI acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data).
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
	Operating revenue	$	786,048			$	710,107
	Income from operations	96,596				91,215
	Net income	61,286				58,713
	Net income per share
	Basic	$	2			$	1.95
	Diluted	$	1.97			$	1.91
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the changes in goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014. All goodwill, except the goodwill assigned to TQI, is deductible for tax purposes.
		Forward Air							FASI							TQI					Total
					Accumulated							Accumulated							Accumulated
		Goodwill			Impairment				Goodwill			Impairment				Goodwill			Impairment		Net
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	$	37,926		$	—			$	12,359		$	(6,953	)		$	45,164		$	—	$	88,496
	CST acquisitions	55,916			—				—			—				—			—		55,916
	Ending balance, December 31, 2014	$	93,842		$	—			$	12,359		$	(6,953	)		$	45,164		$	—	$	144,412
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2014 the estimated amortization expense for the next five years of capitalized software development costs is as follows:
	2015	$	1,374
	2016	1,080
	2017	767
	2018	509
	2019	211
	Total	$	3,941
	The estimated amortization expense for the next five years on definite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		2015				2016				2017				2018				2019
	Customer relationships	$	7,387			$	6,856			$	6,741			$	5,236			$	5,156
	Non-compete agreements	318				318				310				220				30
	Trade name	450				221				200				33				—
	Total	$	8,155			$	7,395			$	7,251			$	5,489			$	5,186

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat1

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Schedule of Capital Leased Asssets [Table Text Block]	Property and equipment include the following amounts for assets under capital leases:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equipment	$	793		$	685
	Accumulated amortization	(253		)	(680		)
		$	540		$	5
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under non-cancelable capital leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consist of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015		$	349
	2016		347
	2017		347
	2018		347
	2019		320
	Thereafter		55
	Total		1,765
	Less amounts representing interest		214
	Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $276)		$	1,551

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti1

Shareholder's Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the computation of net income per basic and diluted share:
		2014				2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income and comprehensive income	$	61,169			$	54,467		$	52,668
	Income allocated to participating securities	(404		)		—			—
	Numerator for net income and comprehensive income to common shareholders	60,765				54,467			52,668
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average shares (in thousands)	30,599				30,135			28,967
	Effect of dilutive stock options (in thousands)	431				615			528
	Effect of dilutive performance shares (in thousands)	42				12			41
	Denominator for diluted net income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares (in thousands)	31,072				30,762			29,536
	Basic net income per share	$	1.99			$	1.81		$	1.82
	Diluted net income per share	$	1.96			$	1.77		$	1.78
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The number of instruments that could potentially dilute net income per basic share in the future, but that were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented, are as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Anti-dilutive stock options (in thousands)	99			192			226
	Anti-dilutive performance shares (in thousands)	—			—			22
	Total anti-dilutive shares (in thousands)	99			192			248
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
						Average							Average							Average
		Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise
		0				Price			0				Price			0				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	1,732				$	27		2,874				$	26		3,363				$	26
	Granted	106				43			118				38			94				37
	Exercised	(450		)		28			(1,260		)		26			(570		)		27
	Forfeited	(25		)		37			—				—			(13		)		29
	Outstanding at end of year	1,363				$	28		1,732				$	27		2,874				$	26
	Exercisable at end of year	1,160				$	26		1,514				$	26		2,487				$	26
	Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year	$	14						$	14						$	13
	Aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised	$	7,259						$	15,477						$	3,924
	Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding	$	24,425
	Average aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable options	$	23,274
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]
												Outstanding						Exercisable
										Weighted-		Weighted-						Weighted-
	Range of							Number		Average		Average			Number			Average
	Exercise							Outstanding		Remaining		Exercise			Exercisable			Exercise
	Price							0		Contractual Life		Price			0			Price
	$	22.47		-	24.98			672		1.7		$	22.66		672			$	22.66
	28.61			-	29.44			401		0.9		28.95			401			28.95
	36.55			-	41.8			184		4.7		37.03			87			36.9
	42.48			-	45.97			106		6.2		43.17			—			—
	$	22.47		-	45.97			1,363		2.2		$	28.05		1,160			$	25.91
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
	Shared-based compensation for options	$	1,302			$	1,410		$	2,585
	Tax benefit for option compensation	$	497			$	508		$	713
	Unrecognized compensation cost for options, net of estimated forfeitures	$	1,632
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company's employee non-vested share activity and related information:
		Year ended
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
		Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average
		Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date
		0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value
	Outstanding and non-vested at beginning of year	186				$	35		168				$	33		108				$	29
	Granted	99				42			98				37			103				37
	Vested	(94		)		43			(68		)		37			(36		)		29
	Forfeited	(1		)		37			(12		)		36			(7		)		33
	Outstanding and non-vested at end of year	190				$	40		186				$	35		168				$	33
	Aggregate grant date fair value	$	7,585						$	6,588						$	5,579
	Total fair value of shares vested during the year	$	4,008						$	2,503						$	1,249
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
	Shared-based compensation for non-vested shares	$	3,626			$	3,058		$	2,039
	Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation	$	1,385			$	1,165		$	785
	Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares, net of estimated forfeitures	$	4,325
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company's employee performance share activity, assuming median share awards, and related information:
		Year ended
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
		Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average			Non-vested				Average
		Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date			Shares				Grant Date
		0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value
	Outstanding and non-vested at beginning of year	88				$	37		62				$	36		38				$	30
	Granted	23				48			26				40			24				45
	Additional shares awarded based on performance	19				30			—				—			—				—
	Vested	(56		)		30			—				—			—				—
	Forfeited	—				—			—				—			—				—
	Outstanding and non-vested at end of year	74				$	44		88				$	37		62				$	36
	Aggregate grant date fair value	$	3,279						$	3,278						$	2,205
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
	Shared-based compensation for performance shares	$	1,098			$	1,055		$	699
	Tax benefit for performance share compensation	$	419			$	402		$	269
	Unrecognized compensation cost for performance shares, net of estimated forfeitures	$	1,225
Nonemployee Director Nonvested Shares Granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the Company's non-employee non-vested share activity and related information:
		Year ended
		2014							2013							2012
		Non-vested							Non-vested							Non-vested
		Shares and				Weighted-			Shares and				Weighted-			Shares and				Weighted-
		Deferred				Average			Deferred				Average			Deferred				Average
		Stock Units				Grant Date			Stock Units				Grant Date			Stock Units				Grant Date
		0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value			0				Fair Value
	Outstanding and non-vested at beginning of year	15				$	38		20				$	32		24				$	33
	Granted	15				44			15				38			20				32
	Vested	(15		)		38			(20		)		32			(24		)		32
	Forfeited	—				—			—				—			—				—
	Outstanding and non-vested at end of year	15				$	44		15				$	38		20				$	32
	Aggregate grant date fair value	$	650						$	560						$	640
	Total fair value of shares vested during the year	$	632						$	762						$	752
		Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
	Shared-based compensation for non-vested shares	$	589			$	589		$	687
	Tax benefit for non-vested share compensation	$	225			$	225		$	264
	Unrecognized compensation cost for non-vested shares, net of estimated forfeitures	$	256
Non-employee Director Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s non-employee stock option activity and related information for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		2014							2013							2012
						Weighted-							Weighted-							Weighted-
						Average							Average							Average
		Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise			Options				Exercise
		0				Price			0				Price			0				Price
	Outstanding at beginning of year	26				$	23		29				$	23		41				$	21
	Granted	—				—			—				—			—				—
	Exercised	(18		)		22			(3		)		20			(12		)		16
	Forfeited	—				—			—				—			—				—
	Outstanding and exercisable at end of year	8				$	26		26				$	23		29				$	23
	Aggregate intrinsic value for options exercised	$	412						$	54						$	207
	Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable	$	151

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Provis

Income Taxes Income Tax Provision (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	33,631		$	22,466		$	24,981
	State	4,306			2,133			3,462
		37,937			24,599			28,443
	Deferred:
	Federal	(2,102		)	4,367			2,452
	State	(919		)	489			(408		)
		(3,021		)	4,856			2,044
		$	34,916		$	29,455		$	30,487
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The historical income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the federal statutory rate of 35.0% to income before income taxes as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Tax expense at the statutory rate	$	33,630		$	29,373		$	29,125
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,879			1,876			1,842
	Incentive stock options	(96		)	(908		)	(154		)
	Meals and entertainment	186			139			172
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	39			(85		)	(39		)
	Federal income tax credits	(533		)	(1,023		)	(619		)
	Other	(189		)	83			160
		$	34,916		$	29,455		$	30,487
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	6,313		$	4,287
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,002			745
	Share-based compensation	5,698			6,066
	Accruals for income tax contingencies	300			547
	Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	534			854
	Net operating loss carryforwards	280			253
	Total deferred tax assets	14,127			12,752
	Valuation allowance	(273		)	(234		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	13,854			12,518
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Tax over book depreciation	19,222			21,806
	Non-compete agreements	3,639			5,149
	Prepaid expenses deductible when paid	2,488			2,354
	Goodwill	11,189			8,914
	Total deferred tax liabilities	36,538			38,223
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(22,684	)	$	(25,705	)
	The balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes is as follows:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Current assets	$	2,496		$	1,145
	Noncurrent liabilities	(25,180		)	(26,850		)
		$	(22,684	)	$	(25,705	)
Summary of Positions for which Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:
		Liability for
		Unrecognized Tax
		Benefits
	Balance at December 31, 2011	481
	Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities	(204		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	277
	Additions for tax positions of current year	209
	Additions for tax positions of prior years - TQI	853
	Balance at December 31, 2013	1,339
	Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities	(697		)
	Additions for tax positions of prior years - TQI	63
	Additions for tax positions of current year	66
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	771

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Future minimum rental payments under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	22,295
	2016	16,909
	2017	11,452
	2018	7,563
	2019	3,827
	Thereafter	2,470
	Total	$	64,516

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Using interest rate quotes currently available in the market and remaining cash flows on these arrangements, the Company estimated the fair value of its outstanding capital lease obligations as follows:
		December 31,				December 31,
		2014				2013
		Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Capital lease obligations	$	1,551	$	1,578	$	72	$	99

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of segment information	The following tables summarize segment information about net income and assets used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company in making decisions regarding allocation of assets and resources as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Year ended December 31, 2014	Forward Air		FASI		TQI		Eliminations			Consolidated
	External revenues	$	608,118	$	124,382	$	48,459	$	—		$	780,959
	Intersegment revenues	4,219		831		365		(5,415		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	21,721		5,811		3,601		—			31,133
	Share-based compensation expense	6,470		176		35		—			6,681
	Interest expense	602		2		6		—			610
	Interest income	8		—		—		—			8
	Income tax expense	31,792		2,203		921		—			34,916
	Net income	53,985		3,790		3,394		—			61,169
	Total assets	607,765		47,516		88,781		(202,257		)	541,805
	Capital expenditures	26,170		7,133		6,184		—			39,487
	Year ended December 31, 2013	Forward Air		FASI		TQI		Eliminations			Consolidated
	External revenues	$	497,993	$	112,766	$	41,722	$	—		$	652,481
	Intersegment revenues	3,075		645		120		(3,840		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	16,222		4,945		2,412		—			23,579
	Share-based compensation expense	5,959		140		79		—			6,178
	Interest expense	513		8		11		—			532
	Interest income	36		—		1		—			37
	Income tax expense	26,981		846		1,628		—			29,455
	Net income	51,251		1,255		1,961		—			54,467
	Total assets	478,790		42,049		85,490		(100,060		)	506,269
	Capital expenditures	25,017		6,901		3,521		—			35,439
	Year ended December 31, 2012	Forward Air		FASI		TQI		Eliminations			Consolidated
	External revenues	$	500,621	$	83,825	$	—	$	—		$	584,446
	Intersegment revenues	1,116		1,152		—		(2,268		)	—
	Depreciation and amortization	16,356		4,665		—		—			21,021
	Share-based compensation expense	5,857		193		—		—			6,050
	Interest expense	369		22		—		—			391
	Interest income	41		—		—		—			41
	Income tax expense	30,053		434		—		—			30,487
	Net income	51,127		1,541		—		—			52,668
	Total assets	395,936		37,135		—		(33,884		)	399,187
	Capital expenditures	15,910		5,443		—		—			21,353

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation1

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014
		31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	Operating revenue	$	171,569	$	193,852	$	201,477	$	214,061
	Income from operations	16,271		27,595		26,906		25,634
	Net income	10,202		17,178		16,744		17,045
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.33	$	0.56	$	0.55	$	0.56
	Diluted	$	0.33	$	0.55	$	0.54	$	0.55
		2013
		31-Mar		30-Jun		30-Sep		31-Dec
	Operating revenue	$	141,560	$	159,804	$	170,033	$	181,084
	Income from operations	15,790		22,505		22,857		23,203
	Net income	10,855		13,831		14,197		15,584
	Net income per share:
	Basic	$	0.37	$	0.46	$	0.47	$	0.51
	Diluted	$	0.36	$	0.45	$	0.46	$	0.5

Accounting_Policies_Details

Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Days
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of principal reporting segments	3
Forward Air number of categories of service	3
Net income allocated to participating securities	($404)
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Minimum number of days past due for receivable reserve	90
Average monthly revenue adjustments	205
Average monthly revenue	65,080
Average monthly revenue adjustments as a percentage of monthly revenue	0.30%
Number of days in revenue adjustment reserve, minimum	45
Number of days in revenue adjustment reserve, maximum	100
Self insurance limit on individual vehicle and general claims	500
Self insurance limit on workers' compensation claims and health insurance claims	250
Self Insurance limit on Ohio workers' compensation and health insurance claims	500
Accounting Policies, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Maximum term for liquid investments to be considered cash equivalents, in months	3
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	22,616	17,817	16,455
Accounting Policies, Software Development [Abstract]
Capitalized software development costs	13,246	11,763
Capitalized computer software, accumulated amortization	9,065	7,644
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	1,464	1,228	1,100
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Period from grant date of stock options to expiration (in years)	7 years
Purchase Period for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	6 months
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, useful life	5 years
Capitalized software future estimated amortization expense
2015	1,374
2016	1,080
2017	767
2018	509
2019	211
Total	$3,941
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
Expected stock price volatility	32.50%	34.50%	40.80%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate	0.70%	0.40%	0.40%
Stock Option [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.20%	1.20%	0.90%
Expected stock price volatility	38.50%	43.70%	46.60%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate	1.60%	0.90%	0.80%
Expected life of options (in years)	5 years 3 months 12 days	5 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 2 months 12 days
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Percentage of share price for shares issued under the ESPP (in hundredths)	90.00%
Number of large lump sum contributions related to ESPP stock purchases	2
Forward Air [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Reserve percentage for past due accounts receivable	50.00%
Forward Air Intermodal Drayage Operations [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Reserve percentage for past due accounts receivable	10.00%
FASI [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Reserve percentage for past due accounts receivable	25.00%
TQI Pharmaceutical Operations [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Reserve percentage for past due accounts receivable	10.00%
TQI Non-Pharmaceutical Operations [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Reserve percentage for past due accounts receivable	50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Building [Member]
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, useful life	30 years
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, useful life	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Building [Member]
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, useful life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, useful life	10 years

Acquisitions_Goodwill_and_Othe2

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			10 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 04, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Feb. 02, 2014	Mar. 04, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill, Net	$144,412				$88,496				$144,412	$88,496		$88,496
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired									90,172	45,328	0
Escrow Deposit													16,500
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	170				277				170	277		277
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	414				299				414	299		299
Operating Income (Loss)	25,634	26,906	27,595	16,271	23,203	22,857	22,505	15,790	96,406	84,355	83,532
Net income (loss)	17,045	16,744	17,178	10,202	15,584	14,197	13,831	10,855	61,169	54,467	52,668
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.55	$0.56	$0.33	$0.51	$0.47	$0.46	$0.37	$1.99	$1.81	$1.82
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.55	$0.54	$0.55	$0.33	$0.50	$0.46	$0.45	$0.36	$1.96	$1.77	$1.78
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue									786,048	710,107
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax									96,596	91,215
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)									61,286	58,713
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic									$2	$1.95
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted									$1.97	$1.91
Forward Air [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill, Net	93,842				37,926				93,842	37,926		37,926
Net income (loss)									53,985	51,251	51,127
FASI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill, Net	12,359				12,359				12,359	12,359		12,359
Net income (loss)									3,790	1,255	1,541
TQI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									3,394	1,961
RGL and MMT [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets														287
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets														287
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles														7,888
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities														1,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities														1,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets														8,175
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets														7,175
RGL and MMT [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									5 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill														92
RGL and MMT [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									15 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill														3,590
RGL and MMT [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles														4,206
MMT [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid														5,825
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High														1,000
RGL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid		1,350
CST [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Logistics revenue									52,061
Other revenues									20,253
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid															82,998
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed				11,215
Escrow Deposit															10,000
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount															9,339
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment															101
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets															2,132
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets															35
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets															11,607
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles															89,140
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities															6,535
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt															11,215
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities															17,750
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets															100,747
Operating Income (Loss)									7,525
Net income (loss)									4,586
Basic (in dollars per share)									$0.15
Diluted (in dollars per share)									$0.15
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs		900
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets															82,997
CST [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									5 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill															930
CST [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									2 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill															500
CST [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									15 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill															36,000
CST [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles															51,710
TQI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Logistics revenue												41,842
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired																100.00%
Goodwill, Net	45,164				45,164				45,164	45,164		45,164
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid																45,328
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed									20,113
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	0								0							615
Escrow Deposit																4,500
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low																0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High																5,000
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate									10.90%
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs									943
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount																5,639
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment																1,093
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets																5,103
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets																728
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets																947
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets																13,510
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles																68,934
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities																4,725
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other																1,735
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt																20,113
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities																10,543
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities																37,116
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets																82,444
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition									1,120
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate																853
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued																174
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued																93
Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date																728
Operating Income (Loss)												3,600
Net income (loss)												1,961
Basic (in dollars per share)												$0.07
Diluted (in dollars per share)												$0.06
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets																45,328
TQI [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									5 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill																470
TQI [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									5 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill																1,000
TQI [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life									15 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill																22,300
TQI [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles																$45,164

Acquisitions_Goodwill_and_Othe3

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$55,916
Goodwill, Net	144,412	88,496
Customer relationships acquired	108,240
Non-compete agreements acquired	3,272
Trade names acquired	1,500
Forward Air [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Net	93,842	37,926
FASI [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated impairment loss	-6,953	-6,953
Goodwill, Net	12,359	12,359
TQI [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill, Net	$45,164	$45,164
TQI [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average useful lives of acquired intangible assets	15 years
TQI [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Weighted average useful lives of acquired intangible assets	5 years

Acquisitions_Goodwill_and_Othe4

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross	$108,240
Finite-Lived Noncompete Agreements, Gross	3,272
Finite-Lived Trade Names, Gross	1,500
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Year 2015	8,155
Year 2016	7,395
Year 2017	7,251
Year 2018	5,489
Year 2019	5,186
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	40,307	31,790
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Year 2015	7,387
Year 2016	6,856
Year 2017	6,741
Year 2018	5,236
Year 2019	5,156
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	13 years 6 months 0 days
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	8,517
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Year 2015	318
Year 2016	318
Year 2017	310
Year 2018	220
Year 2019	30
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years 3 months 11 days
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization		5,762
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Year 2015	450
Year 2016	221
Year 2017	200
Year 2018	33
Year 2019	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years 0 months 11 days
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization			$4,566

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat2

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 04, 2015	Feb. 14, 2012
				Years
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Senior credit facility amount			$275,000
Base reference rate of credit facilities	LIBOR	LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate minimum (in hundredths)		1.10%	1.00%
Interest rate spread above LIBOR as of reporting period (in hundredths)		1.30%
Utilized for outstanding letters of credit		9,749
Available borrowing capacity		140,251
Credit facility term (in years)			5
Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Senior credit facility amount				$150,000
Base reference rate of credit facilities		LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate minimum (in hundredths)				1.10%
Credit facility term (in years)				5

Debt_and_Capital_Lease_Obligat3

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Capital Lease (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2015	$349
2016	347
2017	347
2018	347
2019	320
Thereafter	55
Total	1,765
Less amounts representing interest	214
Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $276)	1,551
Interest Paid	495	482	365
Equipment [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Equipment	793	685
Accumulated amortization	-253	-680
Capital leases, net	$540	$5

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti2

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Common and Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended			2 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 19, 2014	Dec. 31, 2008	31-May-08
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized						5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock par value per share						$0.01	$0.01
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Quarterly cash dividend per share, common stock	$0.12	$0.10	$0.10	$0.07	$0.07	$0.12	$0.10
Repurchase of Common Stock [Abstract]
Repurchase of common stock (repurchase program)						$39,972	$354	$0
Remaining shares authorized under share repurchase program						1,118,021
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Additional authorized shares for employee stock awards						746,000
Purchase Period for Employee Stock Purchase Plan						6 months
Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized						5,000,000
Preferred stock par value per share						$0.01
Common Stock [Member]
Repurchase of Common Stock [Abstract]
Share repurchase program, authorized shares						2,000,000			2,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares						881,979	8,675
Repurchase of common stock (repurchase program)						$39,972	$354
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share						$45.32	$40.84
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized under the plan						7,500,000				4,500,000
Additional authorized shares for employee stock awards											3,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life of options (in years)						7 years
Option award vesting period						1 year
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life of options (in years)						10 years
Option award vesting period						5 years

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti3

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Stock Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$6,681	$6,178	$6,050
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	1,732	2,874	3,363
Granted (shares)	106	118	94
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	-450	-1,260	-570
Forfeited (shares)	-25	0	-13
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	1,363	1,732	2,874
Weighted Average Outstanding at beginning of year (per share)	$27	$26	$26
Weighted average exercise price for options granted in the period	$43	$38	$37
Weighted average exercise price for options exercised in the period	$28	$26	$27
Weighted average exercise price for options forfeited in the period	$37	$0	$29
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$28	$27	$26
Exercisable at end of year	1,160	1,514	2,487
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$26	$26	$26
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year (dollars per share)	$14	$14	$13
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	7,259	15,477	3,924
Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding	24,425
Average aggregate instrinsic value for exercisable options	23,274
Share-based compensation	1,302	1,410	2,585
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	497	508	713
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,632
Non-employee Director Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	26	29	41
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	-18	-3	-12
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	8	26	29
Weighted Average Outstanding at beginning of year (per share)	$23	$23	$21
Weighted average exercise price for options exercised in the period	$22	$20	$16
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$26	$23	$23
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	412	54	207
Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable	$151
Non-employee Director Activity - Options [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual term for options outstanding	4 months 11 days
Term of options issued under the plan	10 years
Exercise Price Range 22.47 thru 24.98 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	672
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$22.66
Exercisable at end of year	672
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$22.66
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	$22.47
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$24.98
Weighted average remaining contractual life	1 year 8 months 11 days
Exercise Price Range 28.61 thru 29.44 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	401
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$28.95
Exercisable at end of year	401
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$28.95
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	$28.61
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$29.44
Weighted average remaining contractual life	10 months 11 days
Exercise Price Range 36.55 thru 41.80 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	184
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$37.03
Exercisable at end of year	87
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$36.90
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	$36.55
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$41.80
Weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 8 months 11 days
Exercise Price Range 42.48 thru 45.97 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	106
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$43.17
Exercisable at end of year	0
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$0
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	$42.48
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$45.97
Weighted average remaining contractual life	6 years 2 months 11 days
Exercise Price Range 22.47 thru 45.97 [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	1,363
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$28.05
Exercisable at end of year	1,160
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$25.91
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	$22.47
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$45.97
Weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 2 months 11 days

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti4

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Employee Activity Non-vested Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$6,681	$6,178	$6,050
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	88	62	38
Granted (shares)	23	26	24
Vested (shares)	-56
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	74	88	62
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$37	$36	$30
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$48	$40	$45
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$30
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$44	$37	$36
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Granted in Period, Total Fair Value	3,279	3,278	2,205
Share-based compensation	1,098	1,055	699
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	419	402	269
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,225
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	186	168	108
Granted (shares)	99	98	103
Vested (shares)	-94	-68	-36
Forfeited (shares)	-1	-12	-7
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	190	186	168
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$35	$33	$29
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$42	$37	$37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$43	$37	$29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$37	$36	$33
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$40	$35	$33
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Granted in Period, Total Fair Value	7,585	6,588	5,579
Grant date fair value of shares that vested during the year	4,008	2,503	1,249
Share-based compensation	3,626	3,058	2,039
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	1,385	1,165	785
Unrecognized compensation cost	$4,325

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti5

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Employee Activity - Performance Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Activity - Performance Shares [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$6,681	$6,178	$6,050
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Employee Activity - Performance Shares [Line Items]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	88	62	38
Granted (shares)	23	26	24
Additional shares awarded based on performance	19
Vested (shares)	-56
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	74	88	62
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$37	$36	$30
Weighted average fair value of performance shares	$48	$40	$45
Stock Issued During Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$30
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$44	$37	$36
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Granted in Period, Total Fair Value	3,279	3,278	2,205
Share-based compensation	1,098	1,055	699
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	419	402	269
Unrecognized compensation cost	$1,225
Minimum percentage of peer group by which Company share price must outperform before incremental performance shares are issued	30.00%
Percentage of Peer Group By Which Company Share Price Must Outperform Before Maximum Incremental Shares Are Issued	90.00%

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti6

Shareholders' Equity Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Purchase Period for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	6 months
Share-based compensation	$6,681	$6,178	$6,050
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized under the plan	403,792
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	8,530	8,800	8,846
Weighted average price of shares purchased (dollars per share)	$41.51	$33.68	$29.26
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$7.74	$7.52	$4.47
Share-based compensation	$66	$66	$40

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti7

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Non-employee Director Non-vested Shares (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Non-Vested Shares [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$6,681	$6,178	$6,050
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Non-Vested Shares [Line Items]
Non-vested share vesting period	3 years
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	186	168	108
Granted (shares)	99	98	103
Vested (shares)	-94	-68	-36
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	190	186	168
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$35	$33	$29
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$40	$35	$33
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$42	$37	$37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$43	$37	$29
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Granted in Period, Total Fair Value	7,585	6,588	5,579
Grant date fair value of shares that vested during the year	4,008	2,503	1,249
Share-based compensation	3,626	3,058	2,039
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	1,385	1,165	785
Unrecognized compensation cost	4,325
Nonemployee Director Nonvested Shares Granted [Member]
Non-Vested Shares [Line Items]
Non-vested share vesting period	1 year
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	15	20	24
Granted (shares)	15	15	20
Vested (shares)	-15	-20	-24
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	15	15	20
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$38	$32	$33
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$44	$38	$32
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$44	$38	$32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$38	$32	$32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Granted in Period, Total Fair Value	650	560	640
Grant date fair value of shares that vested during the year	632	762	752
Share-based compensation	589	589	687
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	225	225	264
Unrecognized compensation cost	$256

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti8

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share - Net Income per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income and comprehensive income	$17,045	$16,744	$17,178	$10,202	$15,584	$14,197	$13,831	$10,855	$61,169	$54,467	$52,668
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic									-404
Numerator for net income and comprehensive income to common shareholders									$60,765	$54,467	$52,668
Denominator for basic income per share - weighted-average shares									30,599	30,135	28,967
Denominator for diluted income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares									31,072	30,762	29,536
Basic net income per share	$0.56	$0.55	$0.56	$0.33	$0.51	$0.47	$0.46	$0.37	$1.99	$1.81	$1.82
Diluted net income per share	$0.55	$0.54	$0.55	$0.33	$0.50	$0.46	$0.45	$0.36	$1.96	$1.77	$1.78
Total number anti-dilutive options and non-vested shares excluded from income per diluted share computation									99	192	248
Equity Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									431	615	528
Total number anti-dilutive options and non-vested shares excluded from income per diluted share computation									99	192	226
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									42	12	41
Performance Shares [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Total number anti-dilutive options and non-vested shares excluded from income per diluted share computation											22

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current: [Abstract]
Federal	$33,631	$22,466	$24,981
State	4,306	2,133	3,462
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	37,937	24,599	28,443
Deferred: [Abstract]
Federal	-2,102	4,367	2,452
State	-919	489	-408
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-3,021	4,856	2,044
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,916	29,455	30,487
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	2,109	3,612	385
Income tax provision [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%
Tax expense at the statutory rate	33,630	29,373	29,125
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1,879	1,876	1,842
Qualified stock options	-96	-908	-154
Meals and entertainment	186	139	172
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	39	-85	-39
Federal income tax credits	-533	-1,023	-619
Other	-189	83	160
Income tax expense (benefit)	34,916	29,455	30,487
Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	6,313	4,287
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,002	745
Share-based compensation	5,698	6,066
Accruals for income tax contingencies	300	547
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	534	854
Net operating loss carryforwards	280	253
Total deferred tax assets	14,127	12,752
Valuation allowance	-273	-234
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	13,854	12,518
Tax over book depreciation	19,222	21,806
Non-compete agreements	3,639	5,149
Prepaid expenses deductible when paid	2,488	2,354
Goodwill	11,189	8,914
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	36,538	38,223
Net deferred tax liabilities	-22,684	-25,705
Balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets, net, current	2,496	1,145
Deferred tax liabilites, noncurrent	-25,180	-26,850
Total deferred tax liabilities	-22,684	-25,705
Income taxes paid	30,087	25,168	32,214
State net operating loss carryforwards	6,500	5,468
Increase (Decrease) in valuation allowance for state loss carryforwards	39	85
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	1,339	277	481
Additions for tax positions of current year	66	209
Additions for tax positions of prior years	63	853
Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities	-697		-204
Balance at end of year	771	1,339	277
Income tax penalties accrued	170	277
Interest on income taxes accrued	414	299
FASI [Member]
Deferred: [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,203	846	434
Income tax provision [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$2,203	$846	$434

Operating_Leases_Details

Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Years
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease renewal option, minimum (in years)	1
Operating lease renewal option, maximum (in years)	10
Operating lease original term, for tractors, trucks and trailers, minimum (in years)	3 years
Operating lease original term, for tractors, trucks and trailers, maximum (in years)	6 years
Sublease rental income	$980	$914	$813
Expected future sublease rental income	74
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2015	22,295
2016	16,909
2017	11,452
2018	7,563
2019	3,827
Thereafter	2,470
Total	$64,516

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments to purchase trailers, vehicles and forklifts	$5,708

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Details

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Days
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan minimum number of days of employee service required	90
Defined Contribution Plan Minimum Hours of Service	1,000
Defined contribution plan, minimum age requirement	21
Defined contribution plan, minimum employee contribution of annual compensation	2.00%
Defined contribution plan, maximum employee contribution of annual compensation	80.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer match percentage	25.00%
Defined contribution plan, maximum employee contribution matched by employer	6.00%
Defined contribution plan, percentage at which employees vest annually in employer contributions	20.00%
Defined Contribution Plan Minimum Years of Service Before Vesting Of Employer Contributions	2 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$895	$823	$675

Financial_Instruments_Financia

Financial Instruments Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 04, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount		$9,749
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Minimum		1.10%	1.00%
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable		1,551		72
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Notes Payable		$1,578		$99

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments									3
External revenues	$214,061	$201,477	$193,852	$171,569	$181,084	$170,033	$159,804	$141,560	$780,959	$652,481	$584,446
Revenue from Related Parties										0	0
Depreciation and amortization									31,133	23,579	21,021
Other Noncash Income									6,681	6,178	6,050
Interest expense									610	532	391
Interest income									8	37	41
Income tax expense (benefit)									34,916	29,455	30,487
Net income (loss)	17,045	16,744	17,178	10,202	15,584	14,197	13,831	10,855	61,169	54,467	52,668
Total assets	541,805				506,269				541,805	506,269	399,187
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									39,487	35,439	21,353
Forward Air [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues									608,118	497,993	500,621
Revenue from Related Parties									4,219	3,075	1,116
Depreciation and amortization									21,721	16,222	16,356
Other Noncash Income									6,470	5,959	5,857
Interest expense									602	513	369
Interest income									8	36	41
Income tax expense (benefit)									31,792	26,981	30,053
Net income (loss)									53,985	51,251	51,127
Total assets	607,765				478,790				607,765	478,790	395,936
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									26,170	25,017	15,910
FASI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues									124,382	112,766	83,825
Revenue from Related Parties									831	645	1,152
Depreciation and amortization									5,811	4,945	4,665
Other Noncash Income									176	140	193
Interest expense									2	8	22
Income tax expense (benefit)									2,203	846	434
Net income (loss)									3,790	1,255	1,541
Total assets	47,516				42,049				47,516	42,049	37,135
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									7,133	6,901	5,443
TQI [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues									48,459	41,722
Revenue from Related Parties									365	120
Depreciation and amortization									3,601	2,412
Other Noncash Income									35	79
Interest expense									6	11
Interest income										1
Income tax expense (benefit)									921	1,628
Net income (loss)									3,394	1,961
Total assets	88,781				85,490				88,781	85,490
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									6,184	3,521
Business Intersegment, Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties									-5,415	-3,840	-2,268
Total assets	($202,257)				($100,060)				($202,257)	($100,060)	($33,884)

Quarterly_Results_of_Operation2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Operating revenue	$214,061	$201,477	$193,852	$171,569	$181,084	$170,033	$159,804	$141,560	$780,959	$652,481	$584,446
Income from operations	25,634	26,906	27,595	16,271	23,203	22,857	22,505	15,790	96,406	84,355	83,532
Net income	$17,045	$16,744	$17,178	$10,202	$15,584	$14,197	$13,831	$10,855	$61,169	$54,467	$52,668
Net income per share:
Basic	$0.56	$0.55	$0.56	$0.33	$0.51	$0.47	$0.46	$0.37	$1.99	$1.81	$1.82
Diluted	$0.55	$0.54	$0.55	$0.33	$0.50	$0.46	$0.45	$0.36	$1.96	$1.77	$1.78

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 04, 2015	Feb. 02, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue		$786,048	$710,107
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax		96,596	91,215
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)		61,286	58,713
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic		$2	$1.95
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted		$1.97	$1.91
Pending Business Combination, Consideration to be transferred	125,000
Pending Business Combination, Escrow Deposit				16,500
Line of Credit Facility Term, In Years				5
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				275,000
Term loan availability	90 days
Line of Credit Facility, Periodic Payment	11.10%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.30%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Minimum		1.10%		1.00%
CST [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid					82,998
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount					9,339
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment					2,132
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets					35
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill					89,140
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities					6,535
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt					11,215
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities					17,750
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets					100,747
Pending Business Combination, Escrow Deposit					10,000
CST [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		2 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill					500
CST [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		15 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill					36,000
CST [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill					51,710
CST [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		5 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill					930
Towne possible net working capital shortfall [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Pending Business Combination, Escrow Deposit				2,000
Towne possible claims [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Pending Business Combination, Escrow Deposit				14,500
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				150,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Minimum				0.30%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Maximum				0.80%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases				25,000
Swing line loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Capacity Available for Specific Purpose Other than for Trade Purchases				15,000
Term loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity				$125,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Minimum				0.10%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate, Maximum				0.60%
Federal funds [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$2,836		$2,153		$1,763		$1,851
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	2,745		2,869		2,173
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	2,062		2,479		2,261
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	2,155		1,583		1,149		1,219
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	241		423		199
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	-331	[1]	-11	[1]	269	[1]
Allowance for revenue adjustments [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	408	[2]	336	[2]	295	[2]	284	[2]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	2,465	[2]	2,531	[2]	2,003	[2]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	2,393	[2],[3]	2,490	[2],[3]	1,992	[2],[3]
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	273		234		319		348
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	$39		($85)		($29)
[1]	Represents uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries
[2]	Represents an allowance for adjustments to accounts receivable due to disputed rates, accessorial charges and other aspects of previously billed shipments.
[3]	Represents adjustments to billed accounts receivable