Forward Air (FWRD) 10-K 1 Mar 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 19, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Entity File Number	000-22490
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Registrant Name	FORWARD AIR CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TN
Entity Tax Identification Number	62-1120025
Entity Address, Address Line One	1915 Snapps Ferry Road
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Building N
Entity Address, City or Town	Greeneville
Entity Address, State or Province	TN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	37745
City Area Code	423
Local Phone Number	636-7000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	FWRD
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,007,054,447
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		27,529,073
Entity Central Index Key	0000912728
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Annual Report	true

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 40,254	$ 64,749
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $2,273 in 2020 and $2,053 in 2019	156,490	136,214
Prepaid expenses	21,410	14,454
Other current assets	6,740	5,949
Total current assets held for sale	21,002	14,952
Total current assets	245,896	236,318
Property and equipment:
Land	26,365	16,928
Buildings	65,923	65,919
Equipment	270,429	276,000
Leasehold improvements	13,747	12,879
Construction in progress	4,055	1,845
Total property and equipment	380,519	373,571
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	190,652	180,815
Net property and equipment	189,867	192,756
Operating lease right-of-use assets	123,338	105,170
Goodwill	244,982	215,699
Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $93,009 in 2020 and $79,520 in 2019	145,032	124,857
Other assets	45,181	39,374
Total noncurrent assets held for sale	53,097	76,704
Total assets	1,047,393	990,878
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	38,371	25,411
Accrued payroll and related items	18,545	13,176
Insurance and claims accruals	17,994	14,329
Payables to leased capacity providers	14,725	13,649
Other current liabilities	10,580	8,318
Current portion of finance lease obligations	1,801	1,421
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	43,680	35,886
Total current liabilities held for sale	25,924	24,974
Total current liabilities	171,620	137,164
Finance lease obligations, less current portion	5,010	4,909
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	80,346	69,678
Long-term debt, less current portion and debt issuance costs	112,398	67,340
Other long-term liabilities	54,129	56,448
Deferred income taxes	41,986	41,214
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale	34,575	36,943
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
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 - 27,316,434 in 2020 and 27,850,233 in 2019	273	279
Additional paid-in capital	242,916	226,869
Retained earnings	304,140	350,034
Total shareholders' equity	547,329	577,182
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,047,393	$ 990,878

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 2,273	$ 2,053
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 93,009	$ 79,520
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	27,316,434	27,850,233
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	27,316,434	27,850,233
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 Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating revenue	$ 1,269,573	$ 1,215,187	$ 1,137,613
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation	650,664	586,140	564,313
Salaries, wages and employee benefits	270,785	258,001	229,634
Operating leases	69,720	63,092	58,189
Depreciation and amortization	37,125	36,394	35,831
Insurance and claims	34,912	38,733	29,569
Fuel expense	12,166	17,759	16,160
Other operating expenses	120,277	102,652	86,701
Total operating expenses	1,195,649	1,102,771	1,020,397
Income from continuing operations	73,924	112,416	117,216
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(4,561)	(2,711)	(1,783)
Other, net	(3)	(1)	(2)
Total other expense	(4,564)	(2,712)	(1,785)
Income before income taxes	69,360	109,704	115,431
Income tax expense	16,593	27,382	26,868
Net income from continuing operations	52,767	82,322	88,563
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(29,034)	4,777	3,488
Net income and comprehensive income	$ 23,733	$ 87,099	$ 92,051
Basic net income per share:
Continuing operations	$ 1.90	$ 2.89	$ 3.02
Discontinued operation	(1.05)	0.17	0.12
Net income per share	0.84	3.06	3.14
Diluted net income per share:
Continuing operations	1.89	2.87	3
Discontinued operation	(1.05)	0.17	0.12
Net income per share	0.84	3.04	3.12
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.75	$ 0.72	$ 0.63

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 532,699	$ 295	$ 195,346	$ 337,058
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		29,454,000
Net and comprehensive income	92,051			92,051
Exercise of stock options	3,921	$ 1	3,920
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		95,000
Other	(30)			(30)
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	479		479
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		9,000
Share-based compensation	10,549		10,549
Dividends	(18,427)		3	(18,430)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	(1,872)	$ (1)		(1,871)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)		(33,000)
Stock repurchases	(66,126)	$ (11)		(66,115)
Stock repurchases, shares		(1,109,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares		$ 1	(1)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		119,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	553,244	$ 285	210,296	342,663
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		28,535,000
Net and comprehensive income	87,099			87,099
Exercise of stock options	4,050	$ 1	4,049
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		99,000
Other	(2)		(1)	(1)
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	614		614
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		12,000
Share-based compensation	11,907		11,907
Dividends	(20,494)		6	(20,500)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	(3,032)			(3,032)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)		(50,000)
Stock repurchases	(56,204)	$ (9)		(56,195)
Stock repurchases, shares		(915,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares		$ 2	(2)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		169,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 577,182	$ 279	226,869	350,034
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	27,850,233	27,850,000
Net and comprehensive income	$ 23,733			23,733
Exercise of stock options	4,237	$ 1	4,236
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		89,000
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	664		664
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)		15,000
Share-based compensation	11,138		11,138
Dividends	(20,869)		10	(20,879)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings	(3,508)			(3,508)
Cash settlement of share-based awards for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)		(59,000)
Stock repurchases	(45,248)	$ (8)		(45,240)
Stock repurchases, shares		(787,000)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares		$ 1	(1)
Vesting of previously non-vested shares (in shares)		208,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 547,329	$ 273	$ 242,916	$ 304,140
Balance, shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020	27,316,434	27,316,000

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating activities:
Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations	$ 52,767	$ 82,322	$ 88,563
Adjustments to reconcile net income of continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	37,125	36,394	35,831
Change in fair value of earn-out liability	379	(33)	(455)
Share-based compensation	11,033	11,715	10,191
Provision for revenue adjustments	4,751	3,339	3,624
Deferred income tax provision	772	7,089	7,590
Other	587	1,497	(189)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from the purchase of acquired companies:
Accounts receivable	(25,739)	653	(8,702)
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets	(9,424)	(4,662)	(3,754)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities	23,854	7,212	9,703
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	96,105	145,526	142,402
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,413	2,661	6,969
Purchases of property and equipment	(20,268)	(22,007)	(39,564)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired	(63,651)	(39,000)	(19,987)
Other			357
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations	(81,506)	(58,346)	(52,225)
Financing activities:
Repayments of finance lease obligations	(1,446)	(946)	(302)
Repayments of senior credit facility	(20,000)
Proceeds from senior credit facility	65,000	20,000	7,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon stock option exercises	4,237	4,050	3,921
Payment of earn-out liability	(5,284)
Payments of dividends to stockholders	(20,869)	(20,494)	(18,427)
Repurchases and retirement of common stock	(45,248)	(56,204)	(66,126)
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	664	614	479
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards	(3,508)	(3,032)	(1,872)
(Distributions to) contributions from subsidiary held for sale	(12,640)	(7,924)	(6,914)
Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations	(39,094)	(48,088)	(68,413)
Net (decrease) increase in cash of continuing operations	(24,495)	39,092	21,764
Cash from discontinued operation:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities of discontinued operation	(11,439)	13,472	10,152
Net cash used in investing activities of discontinued operation	(1,201)	(5,548)	(3,238)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operation	12,640	(7,924)	(6,914)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(24,495)	39,092	21,764
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period of continuing operations	64,749	25,657	3,893
Cash at beginning of period of discontinued operation	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period of continuing operations	$ 40,254	$ 64,749	$ 25,657

Accounting Policies (Notes)

Accounting Policies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Forward Air Corporation (“Forward Air” or the “Company”) is a leading asset-light freight and logistics company. The Company has two reportable segments: Expedited Freight and Intermodal. The Company conducts business in the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. The Expedited Freight segment operates a comprehensive national network providing expedited regional, inter-regional and national LTL services. Expedited Freight offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including final mile, truckload, shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling. The Intermodal segment provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Intermodal also offers dedicated contract and Container Freight Station (“CFS”) warehouse and handling services. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include Forward Air Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On April 23, 2020, the Board of Director’s (the “Board”) of the Company approved a strategy to divest of the Pool Distribution (“Pool”) business within the next year. Prior to the decision to divest of Pool, the Company had three reportable segments: Expedited Freight, Intermodal and Pool. As a result of the strategy to divest of Pool, the results of operations for Pool are presented as a discontinued operation on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and assets and liabilities are reflected as “Assets and liabilities held for sale” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. Amounts for all periods discussed below reflect the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows from the Company’s continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale, for further discussion. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. principles generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 of $25,246 and $64,749, respectively, consisted of cash on hand and bank deposits. The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 of $15,008 consisted of money market deposits. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Revenue Adjustments The Company has a broad range of customers, including freight forwarders, third-party logistics (“3PL”) companies, passenger and cargo airlines, steamship lines, and retailers, located across a diverse geography. 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, in order to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes a general reserve based on a percentage of revenue to ensure accounts receivables are properly recorded at the net amount expected to be collected. Management evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivables at least quarterly and sets the reserve based on historical and current collection history and reasonable and supportable forecasts about any expected changes to our collection experience in the future due to changing economic conditions. 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. The Company records an allowance for revenue adjustments resulting from future billing rate changes. The adjustments arise: (a) when small rate changes (“spot quotes”) are granted to customers that differ from the standard rates in the billing system; (b) when freight requires dimensionalization or is reweighed which results in a different rate; (3) when billing errors occur; and (4) when data entry errors occur. 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. During 2020, average revenue adjustments per month were approximately $396 on average revenue per month of approximately $105,798 (0.4% of monthly revenue). The Company estimates an allowance for revenue adjustments based on historical experience, trends and current information. More specifically, the Company considers the average monthly revenue adjustments as well as the average lag for identifying and quantifying the revenue adjustments. The average amount of revenue adjustments per month can vary in relation to the level of revenue or based on other factors (such as personnel issues that could result in excessive manual errors or in excessive spot quotes being granted). Both the average monthly revenue adjustments and the average lag assumptions are continually evaluated for appropriateness. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using first-in, first-out method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business. Replacement parts are expensed when placed in service, while tires are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful life. Expenses related to the utilization of inventories are recorded in “ Other operating expenses ” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, which are reviewed periodically and have the following ranges: Buildings 30-40 years Equipment 3-10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of Useful Life or Initial Lease Term Land is not depreciated and construction in progress is not depreciated until ready for service. Depreciation is not recorded during the period in which a long-lived asset or disposal group is classified as held for sale. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Software Development The Company incurs costs related to internally developed software or software acquired for internal use. Depending on the applicable stage of the software development, costs may be capitalized or expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the five-year estimated useful life. As of December 31, 2020, capitalized software costs and accumulated amortization were $23,480 and $16,025, respectively, and as of December 31, 2019, capitalized software costs and accumulated amortization were $21,536 and $14,133, respectively. Capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization was recorded in "Property and equipment" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Software development cost a mortization was $2,053 , $1,714 and $1,779 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company estimates amortization of existing software development costs will be $1,988 for 2021, $1,749 for 2022, $1,472 for 2023, $1,124 for 2024 and $507 for 2025. Goodwill The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually, as of June 30, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In order to test for impairment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its carrying value, the goodwill is adjusted by the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, limited to the amount of goodwill. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill in order to determine whether it is more likely than not the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, including goodwill. Self-Insurance Loss Reserves Under U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulations, the Company is liable for bodily injury and property damage caused by Leased Capacity Providers and employee drivers while they are operating equipment under the Company’s various motor carrier authorities. The potential liability associated with any accident can be severe and occurrences are unpredictable. For vehicle liability, the Company retains a portion of the risk. Below is a summary of the Company’s risk retention on vehicle liability insurance coverage maintained by the Company through $10,000: Company Frequency Layer Policy Term Expedited Freight¹ LTL business $ 3,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $3,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Truckload business $ 2,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $2,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 6,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $3,000 to $5,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 5,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $5,000 to $10,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Intermodal $ 250 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $250 4/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 ¹ Excluding the Final Mile business, which is primarily a brokered service. ² For each and every accident, the Company is responsible for damages and defense up to these amounts, regardless of the number of claims associated with any accident. ³ During the Policy Term, the Company is responsible for damages and defense within the stated Layer up to the stated, aggregate amount of Company Risk Retention before insurance will respond. Also, from time to time, when brokering freight, the Company may face claims for the “negligent selection” of outside, contracted carriers that are involved in accidents, and the Company maintains third-party liability insurance coverage with a $100 deductible per occurrence for most of its brokered services. Additionally, the Company maintains workers’ compensation insurance with a self-insured retention of $500 per occurrence. The Company provides for the estimated costs of vehicle liability and workers’ compensation claims both reported and for claims incurred but not reported. 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 Company estimates its self-insurance loss exposure by evaluating the merits and circumstances surrounding individual known claims and through actuarial analysis to determine an estimate of probable losses on claims incurred but not reported. If the events underlying the claims have occurred as of the balance sheet date, then losses are recognized immediately. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded insurance reserves of $72,650 and $66,176, respectively, inclusive of reserves in excess of the self-insured retention limit that are expected to be reimbursed from insurance carriers. As of December 31, 2020, $20,342 was recorded in “Insurance and claims accruals” and $52,308 was recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2019, $16,366 was recorded in “Insurance and claims accruals” and $49,810 was recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognized a receivable for insurance proceeds and a corresponding claims payable for vehicle liability and workers’ compensation claims in excess of the self-insured retention limit. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $36,743 and $34,091, respectively, in “Other assets” and “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies the performance obligation by the delivery of a shipment in accordance with contractual agreements, bill of lading (“BOL”) and general tariff provisions. The amount of revenue recognized is measured as the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services pursuant to a contract with a customer. A contract exists once the Company enters into a contractual agreement with a customer. The Company does not recognize revenue in cases where collectibility is not probable, and defers recognition until collection is probable or payment is received. The Company generates revenue from the delivery of a shipment and the completion of related services. Revenue for the delivery of a shipment is recorded over time to coincide with when customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the delivery services. Accordingly, revenue billed to a customer for the transportation of freight are recognized over the transit period as the performance obligation to the customer is satisfied. The Company determines the transit period for a shipment based on the pick-up date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of a reporting period. The determination of the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of a given reporting date may require the Company to make judgments that impact the timing of revenue recognized. For delivery of shipments with a pick-up date in one reporting period and a delivery date in another reporting period, the Company recognizes revenue based on relative transit time in each reporting period. A portion of the total revenue to be billed to the customer after completion of a delivery is recognized in each reporting period based on the percentage of total transit time that has been completed at the end of the applicable reporting period. Upon delivery of a shipment or related service, customers are billed according to the applicable payment terms. Related services are a separate performance obligation and include accessorial charges such as terminal handling, storage, equipment rentals and customs brokerage. Revenue is classified based on the line of business as the Company believes this best depicts the nature, timing and amount of revenue and cash flows. For all lines of business, the Company records revenue on a gross basis as it is the principal in the transaction as the Company has discretion to determine the amount of consideration. Additionally, the Company has the discretion to select drivers and other vendors for the services provided to customers. These factors, discretion in the amount of consideration and the selection of drivers and other vendors, support revenue recognized on a gross basis. Leases Effective, January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases, ("ASC 842"). Under ASC 842, lessees are required to record an asset (right-of-use asset or finance lease asset) and a lease liability. ASC 842 allows for two types of leases for recognition purposes: operating leases and finance leases. Operating leases result in the recognition of a single lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while finance leases result in an accelerated expense. The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception based on whether or not the Company has the right to control the asset during the contract period. Operating lease right-of-use assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term while operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments for the lease term. All leases greater than 12 months result in the recognition of a right-of-use asset and liability at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments is calculated using the applicable weighted-average discount rate. The weighted-average discount rate is based on the discount rate implicit in the lease, or if the implicit rate is not readily determinable from the lease, then the Company estimates an applicable incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated based on the contractual lease term and the Company’s collateral borrowing rate. Business Combinations Upon the acquisition of a business, the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed must be estimated. This requires judgments regarding the identification of acquired assets and liabilities assumed, some of which may not have been previously recorded by the acquired business, as well as judgments regarding the valuation of all identified acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are determined by reviewing the operations, interviewing management and reviewing the financial and contractual information of the acquired business. Consideration is typically paid in the form of cash paid upon closing or contingent consideration paid upon satisfaction of a future obligation. If contingent consideration is included in the purchase price, the Company values that consideration as of the acquisition date and it is recorded to goodwill. Once the acquired assets and assumed liabilities are identified, the fair value of the assets and liabilities are estimated using a variety of approaches that require significant judgments. For example, intangible assets are typically valued using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis, which requires estimates of the future cash flows that are attributable to the intangible asset. A DCF analysis also requires significant judgments regarding the selection of discount rates that are intended to reflect the risks that are inherent in the projected cash flows, the determination of terminal growth rates, and judgments about the useful life and pattern of use of the underlying intangible asset. The valuation of acquired property, plant and equipment requires judgments about current market values, replacement costs, the physical and functional obsolescence of the assets and their remaining useful lives. A failure to appropriately assign fair values to acquired assets and assumed liabilities could significantly impact the amount and timing of future depreciation and amortization expense, as well as significantly overstate or understate assets or liabilities. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company is involved in various tax matters, with respect to some of which the outcome is uncertain. We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that it becomes uncertain the tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained, the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, but for a lesser amount, or the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. A number of years may elapse before a particular uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved or when a tax assessment is raised. The number of years subject to tax assessments varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the more likely than not recognition threshold would be recognized in income tax expense in the first period when the uncertainty disappears under any one of the following conditions: the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, the tax position, amount, and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation, or the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Interest expense, net” and “Other operating expenses”, respectively. Net Income Per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Restricted shares have non-forfeitable rights to dividends and as a result, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income per common share pursuant to the two-class method. Net income allocated to participating securities was $385 in 2020, $945 in 2019 and $881 in 2018. Diluted net income per common share assumes the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance share awards using the treasury stock method when the effects of such assumptions are dilutive. Share-Based Compensation The Company grants awards under the stock-based compensation plans to certain employees of the Company. The awards include stock options, restricted shares and performance shares. The fair value of the stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. The fair value of the restricted shares is the quoted market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date, and the share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For certain performance shares, the fair value is the quote market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the relevant period. For these performance shares, the share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period based on the projected assessment of the level of performance that will be achieved. The fair value of other performance shares that have a financial target of the Company’s total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return of a selected peer group, is estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. All share-based compensation expense is recognized in salaries, wages and employee benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Refer to Note 5, Stockholders’ Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income Per Share , for further discussion. Ransomware Incident In December 2020, the Company detected a ransomware incident impacting its operational and information technology systems, which caused service delays for many of its customers (“Ransomware Incident”). Promptly upon its detection of the incident, the Company initiated response protocols, launched an investigation and engaged the services of cybersecurity and forensics professionals. The Company has also engaged with the appropriate law enforcement authorities. The Company continues to cooperate with law enforcement in connection with the criminal investigation into those responsible for the Ransomware Incident. Through December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $1,560 of expenses related to the Ransomware Incident. We have classified these expenses as “Other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Expenses include costs to investigate and remediate the Ransomware Incident and legal and other professional services related to the incident, all of which were expensed as incurred. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 ("ASU 2016-13"), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which replaces the incurred loss methodology previously used to measure credit losses for most financial assets and requires the use of a forward-looking expected loss model. Under ASU 2016-13, credit losses are recognized when it is probable a loss has been incurred. The new standard requires financial assets to be measured at amortized costs less a reserve, equal to the net amount expected to be collected. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. In April 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASU 2019-04”), which provides, among other things, targeted improvements to certain aspects of accounting for credit losses addressed by ASU 2016-13. In November 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASU 2019-11”), which clarifies the treatment of expected recoveries for amounts previously written-off on purchased receivables, provides transition relief for troubled debt restructurings and allows for certain disclosure simplifications of accrued interest. The effective dates for both ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-11 are the same as the effective date for ASU 2016-13. The Company adopted this standard, and its subsequent modifications, as of January 1, 2020, which resulted in the Company revising its allowance for doubtful accounts policy on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Discontinued Operation and Held

Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale	Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale As previously disclosed in Note 1, on April 23, 2020, the Company made a decision to divest of Pool. The Pool business met the criteria for held for sale classification. As a result, the assets and liabilities of Pool are presented separately under the captions “Current assets held for sale”, “Noncurrent assets held for sale”, “Current liabilities held for sale” and “Noncurrent liabilities held for sale” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The results of Pool were reclassified to “(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December, 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Certain corporate overhead and other costs previously allocated to Pool for segment reporting purposes did not qualify for classification within discontinued operation and have been reallocated to continuing operations. These costs were reclassified to the eliminations and other column in the segment reconciliation in Note 11, Segment Reporting . Upon meeting the criteria for held for sale classification and in each subsequent reporting period, the Company evaluated whether Pool’s estimated fair value, less costs to sell, exceeded the net carrying value. The annual goodwill impairment analysis conducted as of June 30, 2020 indicated that the fair value in excess of the carrying value related to the Pool reporting unit was approximately 5% and in the third quarter of 2020, the Company concluded the estimated fair value, less costs to sell, exceeded the net carrying value and there were no indicators of impairment for the Pool reporting unit. However, in response to the longer than expected macroeconomic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and status of negotiations to sell the Pool business, a strategic review of the business was completed in the fourth quarter of 2020 along with revised forecasts to include updated market conditions and strategic operating decisions. The revised forecasts indicated an impairment of the entire goodwill balance of the Pool reporting unit was necessary as of December 31, 2020. A non-cash charge of approximately $5,406 was recorded as an “Impairment charge” in the summarized discontinued operation financial information for the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against the net assets held for sale to write down the carrying value to the estimated fair value less costs to sell. A non-cash valuation allowance of approximately $22,978 was recorded as an “Impairment charge” in the summarized discontinued operation financial information for the year ended December 31, 2020. The fair value was estimated based on a combination of an income approach using a discounted cash flow model, and a market approach, which considers comparable companies. Estimates of future cash flows are based on various factors, including current operating results, expected market trends and competitive influences. Refer to Note 3, Acquisitions, Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets for further discussion about the estimation of fair value. On February 12, 2021, the Company completed the sale of the Pool business for $8,000 in cash and up to a $12,000 earn-out based on an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization attainment. See Note 13, Subsequent Events , for further discussion. Summarized Held for Sale and Discontinued Operation Financial Information A summary of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities, which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is as follows: December 31, December 31, Assets Current assets: Accounts receivable, less allowance of $86 in 2020 and $48 in 2019 $ 19,740 $ 13,983 Other current assets 1,262 969 Total current assets held for sale $ 21,002 $ 14,952 Property and equipment $ 48,905 $ 53,166 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 28,890 32,891 Net property and equipment 20,015 20,275 Operating lease right-of-use assets 46,865 46,487 Goodwill — 5,406 Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $12,679 in 2020 and $12,359 in 2019 2,621 2,941 Deferred income taxes 3,253 — Other assets 3,321 1,595 Valuation allowance on assets held for sale (22,978) — Total noncurrent assets held for sale $ 53,097 $ 76,704 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,002 $ 4,575 Accrued expenses 5,070 5,668 Other current liabilities 27 2 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 16,825 14,729 Total current liabilities held for sale $ 25,924 $ 24,974 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion $ 30,024 $ 31,847 Other long-term liabilities 4,551 2,368 Deferred income taxes — 2,728 Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale $ 34,575 $ 36,943 A summary of the results of operations classified as a discontinued operation, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Operating revenue $ 141,433 $ 195,208 $ 183,273 Operating expenses: Purchased transportation 33,979 52,867 49,323 Salaries, wages and employee benefits 65,695 77,162 70,596 Operating leases 21,982 18,918 17,488 Depreciation and amortization 1,657 5,715 6,352 Insurance and claims 6,205 6,707 5,611 Fuel expense 4,279 6,462 6,961 Other operating expenses 17,587 20,969 22,126 Impairment charge 28,384 — — Total operating expenses 179,768 188,800 178,457 (Loss) income from discontinued operation before income taxes (38,335) 6,408 4,816 Income tax (benefit) expense (9,301) 1,631 1,328 (Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax $ (29,034) $ 4,777 $ 3,488

Indebtedness (Notes)

Indebtedness (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt and Lease Obligation [Abstract]
Indebtedness	Indebtedness Senior Credit Facility As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $112,500 in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $18,326 utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $94,174 of available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had $67,500 in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $13,970 utilized for outstanding letters of credit and $68,530 of available borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility. The interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 3.25% and 3.2% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In September 2017, the Company entered into a five-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $150,000, with a sublimit of $30,000 for letters of credit and a sublimit of $30,000 for swing line loans. The maturity date of the Facility is September 29, 2022. In April 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to the Facility, which increased the maximum aggregate principal amount to $225,000. The Facility may be increased by up to $25,000 to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $250,000 pursuant to the terms of the amended credit agreement, subject to the lenders’ agreement to increase their commitments or the addition of new lenders extending such commitments. Such increases to the Facility may be in the form of additional revolving credit loans, term loans or a combination thereof, and are contingent upon there being no events of default under the Facility. Under the amended Facility, interest accrues on the amounts outstanding under the credit facility, at the Company’s option, at either (1) London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate, not less than 1.00%, plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75% based on the Company’s leverage ratio, or (2) base rate, which cannot be less than 3.00%. The base rate is the highest of (i) the federal funds rate, not less than zero, plus 0.50%, (ii) the administrative agent's prime rate and (iii) the LIBOR rate, not less than 1.00%, plus 1.00%, plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Previously, under the Facility, interest accrued on the amounts outstanding under the credit facility, at the Company’s option, at either (1) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% based on the Company’s leverage ratio, or (2) the base rate, which was equal to the highest of (i) the federal funds rate, not less than zero, plus 0.50%, (ii) the administrative agent’s prime rate and (iii) the LIBOR rate plus 1.00%, plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% based on the Company’s leverage ratio. Interest is payable in arrears for each loan that is based on the LIBOR rate on the last day of the interest period applicable to each loan, and interest is payable in arrears on loans not based on the LIBOR rate on the last day of each quarter. The Facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company, without the approval of the required lenders, to engage in certain mergers, consolidations, asset sales, dividends and stock repurchases, investments, and other transactions or to incur liens or indebtedness in excess of agreed thresholds, as set forth in the credit agreement. The Company also has to fulfill financial covenants with respect to a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the aforementioned covenants. Interest Payments Cash payments for interest were $4,580, $2,711 and $1,783 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. No interest was capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Shareholder's Equity, Stock Inc

Shareholder's Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Shareholders’ Equity, Stock Options and Net Income per Share [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share	Shareholders’ Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share Preferred Stock There are 5,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 authorized, but no shares have been issued to date. Cash Dividends During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared and the Company has paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share. During the first, second and third quarters of 2020, each quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared and the Company has paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per common share. During the first, second and third quarters of 2018, the Company's Board of Directors declared and the Company has paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share. On February 2, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share that will be paid in the first quarter of 2021. Share Repurchase Program On July 21, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for up to 3,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2016 Repurchase Plan”). On February 5, 2019, the Board of Directors canceled the Company’s 2016 Repurchase Plan and approved a revised stock repurchase plan authorizing up to 5,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2019 Repurchase Plan”). The 2019 Repurchase Plan expires when the shares authorized for repurchase are exhausted or the 2019 Repurchase Plan is canceled. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased through open market transactions 787 shares of common stock for $45,248, or $57.53 per share, and during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased through open market transactions 913 shares of common stock for $56,204, or $61.59 per share. All shares received were retired upon receipt, and the excess of the purchase price over the par value per share was recorded to "Retained Earnings" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining shares to be repurchased under the 2019 Repurchase Plan were approximately 3,368 shares. Stock Incentive Plan In May 2016, the Company adopted the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) for the issuance of up to 2,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 965 shares remain available for grant under the Omnibus Plan. Employee Activity - Stock Options Certain executives are eligible to receive grants of stock options. Employees may exercise the stock options at anytime after the grant is vested but no later than seven years after the date of grant. Stock options vest over a three-year period from the date of grant. The shared-based compensation expense associated with these options is amortized ratably over the vesting period. The Company estimated the fair value of the grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2018. The Company did not grant stock options during the year ended December 31, 2019. December 31, December 31, Expected dividend yield 1.1 % 1.1 % Expected stock price volatility 24.1 % 24.4 % Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 2.7 % Expected life of options (years) 5.9 6.1 The following table sets forth the exercise price range, number of shares, weighted-average exercise price and remaining contractual lives by groups of similar price on a continuing basis as of December 31, 2020: Weighted- Outstanding Exercisable Average Weighted- Weighted- Range of Number of Shares Outstanding Remaining Average Number of Shares Exercisable Average Exercise Contractual Life Exercise Exercise Price (in years) Price Price $ 43.67 - $ 44.90 59 2.1 $ 43.70 59 $ 43.70 47.82 - 48.32 68 3.1 47.86 68 47.86 50.71 - 53.73 26 1.6 51.31 26 51.31 57.18 - 60.42 70 4.1 58.73 45 58.64 64.26 - 65.96 136 5.0 64.71 67 64.26 $ 43.67 - $ 65.96 359 3.7 $ 55.88 265 $ 53.23 Stock option activity and related information on a continuing basis was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Options Price Options Price Options Price Outstanding at beginning of year 417 $ 53.37 512 $ 51.49 417 $ 44.55 Granted 36 65.96 — — 190 61.72 Exercised (89) 47.72 (87) 42.24 (95) 41.42 Forfeited (5) 59.73 (8) 53.76 — — Outstanding at end of year 359 $ 55.79 417 $ 53.37 512 $ 51.49 Exercisable at end of year 265 $ 53.20 262 $ 50.03 213 $ 44.66 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the year $ 14.79 $ — $ 15.82 Aggregate intrinsic value for stock options exercised $ 1,568 $ 2,196 $ 1,992 Average aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding $ 970 Average aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable stock options $ 1,435 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for stock options $ 1,163 $ 1,556 $ 1,521 Tax benefit for stock options exercised $ 287 $ 392 $ 384 Unrecognized compensation expense for stock options $ 784 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.3 The following table sets forth the exercise price range, number of shares, weighted-average exercise price and remaining contractual lives by groups of similar price on a discontinued basis as of December 31, 2020: Weighted- Outstanding Exercisable Average Weighted- Weighted- Range of Number of Shares Outstanding Remaining Average Number of Shares Exercisable Average Exercise Contractual Life Exercise Exercise Price (in years) Price Price $ 47.82 - $ 58.40 14 3.5 $ 52.22 14 $ 52.22 Stock option activity and related information on a discontinued basis was as follows: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Options Price Options Price Options Price Outstanding at beginning of year 14 $ 52.15 26 $ 49.00 22 $ 47.49 Granted — — — — 4 58.40 Exercised — — (12) 45.46 — — Forfeited — — — — — — Outstanding at end of year 14 $ 52.15 14 $ 52.15 26 $ 49.00 Exercisable at end of year 14 $ 52.15 9 $ 51.35 17 $ 47.74 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the year $ — $ — $ 16 Aggregate intrinsic value for stock options exercised $ — $ 193 $ — Average aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding $ 54 Average aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable stock options $ 54 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for stock options $ 22 $ 41 $ 57 Tax benefit for stock options exercised $ 6 $ 11 $ 14 Unrecognized compensation expense for stock options $ — Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) — Employee Activity – Restricted Shares The Company’s primary long-term incentive plan is a restricted share award plan that entitles employees to receive a share of the Company’s common stock subject to vesting requirements based on continued employment. Shares granted under the restricted share award plan are restricted from sale or transfer until vesting, and restrictions lapse in three equal installments beginning one year after the date of grant. Dividends are paid in cash on a current basis throughout the vesting period. The compensation expense associated with these awards is amortized ratably over the requisite service period. All forfeitures are recognized as incurred. Restricted share activity and related information on a continuing basis was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 264 $ 58.34 302 $ 54.92 216 $ 46.73 Granted 116 65.88 112 59.49 192 59.88 Vested (150) 57.40 (126) 51.50 (102) 47.04 Forfeited (17) 62.39 (24) 56.69 (4) 52.01 Outstanding at end of year 213 $ 62.78 264 $ 58.34 302 $ 54.92 Total fair value of shares vested during the year $ 9,180 $ 7,684 $ 5,758 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares $ 7,310 $ 7,936 $ 6,633 Tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares $ 1,747 $ 1,951 $ 1,660 Unrecognized compensation expense for restricted shares $ 7,767 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.7 Restricted share activity and related information on a discontinued basis was as follows: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 13 $ 54.93 13 $ 55.16 11 $ 46.71 Granted 6 63.24 5 59.07 10 59.46 Vested (10) 58.43 (5) 48.85 (5) 47.00 Forfeited (1) 63.49 — — (3) 51.68 Outstanding at end of year 8 $ 60.83 13 $ 54.93 13 $ 55.16 Total fair value of shares vested during the year $ 625 $ 270 $ 282 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares $ 71 $ 65 $ 241 Tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares $ 71 $ 66 $ 72 Unrecognized compensation expense for restricted shares $ 270 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.8 Employee Activity – Performance Shares Certain executives and key employees are eligible to receive grants of performance awards. The performance share agreement provides for awards of shares of the Company’s common stock based on achieving certain financial targets, such as targets for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and the Company’s total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return of a selected peer group, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Performance targets are set at the beginning of each three-year measurement period. The share awards are earned over the vesting period, and the number of shares earned is determined based on the cumulative results for the measurement period. The performance agreement provides for employees to earn —% to 200% of the target awards depending on the actual performance achieved, with no shares earned if performance is below the established minimum target. Performance shares do not receive dividends until the shares are vested. Awards earned are paid in shares of common stock of the Company at the end of the vesting period. The compensation expense associated with these awards is amortized ratably over the vesting period. Depending on the financial target, the compensation expense is based on the projected assessment of the level of performance that will be achieved. All forfeitures are recognized as incurred. The grant-date fair value of performance shares granted with a financial target based on the Company’s total shareholder return was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The weighted average assumptions under the Monte Carlo simulation model were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Expected stock price volatility 23.5 % 23.4 % 24.3 % Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 2.5 % 2.2 % Performance share activity was as follows and is presented as if the Company were to achieve its target level of performance, on a continuing basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 58 $ 62.44 62 $ 58.40 66 $ 57.63 Granted 38 69.15 28 61.42 17 72.30 Additional shares awarded based on actual performance level achieved 13 51.13 — — — — Vested (33) 51.13 (22) 63.57 — — Forfeited (11) 66.37 (10) 62.77 (21) 67.28 Outstanding at end of year 65 $ 67.62 58 $ 62.44 62 $ 58.40 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for performance shares $ 1,242 $ 1,103 $ 1,208 Tax benefit for vesting of performance shares $ 306 $ 278 $ 304 Unrecognized compensation expense for performance shares $ 2,095 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.9 Performance share activity was as follows and is presented as if the Company were to achieve its target level of performance, on a discontinued basis: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 4 $ 62.05 3 $ 57.90 3 $ 57.03 Granted 1 69.15 2 61.03 1 72.30 Additional shares awarded based on actual performance level achieved 1 51.13 — — — — Vested (2) 51.13 (1) 63.57 — — Forfeited (4) 65.69 — — (1) 67.28 Outstanding at end of year — $ — 4 $ 62.05 3 $ 57.90 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for performance shares $ (8) $ 73 $ 55 Tax benefit for the vesting of performance shares $ (2) $ 18 $ 14 Unrecognized compensation expense for performance shares $ — Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) — Employee Activity – Employee Stock Purchase Plan Under the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), the Company is authorized to issue up to a remaining 335 shares of common stock to 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 lump sum contributions. Employee stock purchase plan activity and related information was as follows on a continuing basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Shares purchased by employees 14 11 8 Average purchase price $ 44.24 $ 51.50 $ 50.62 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase under the ESPP granted 1 $ 20.99 $ 13.68 $ 6.26 Share-based compensation expense for ESPP shares $ 292 $ 150 $ 54 1 Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period Employee stock purchase plan activity and related information was as follows on a discontinued basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Shares purchased by employees 1 1 1 Average purchase price $ 44.35 $ 51.39 $ 50.64 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase under the ESPP granted 1 $ 18.11 $ 13.48 $ 6.27 Share-based compensation expense for ESPP shares $ 20 $ 13 $ 5 1 Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period Non-employee Director Activity – Restricted Shares Under the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “Amended Plan”), approved in May 2007 and further amended in February 2013 and January 2016, up to 360 common shares may be issued. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 92 shares remain available for grant under the Amended Plan. Under the Amended Plan, each non-employee director receives an annual grant of restricted shares of the Company’s common stock. The restricted shares vest on the earlier of (a) the day immediately prior to the first annual shareholder meeting that occurs after the grant date or (b) one year after the grant date. Each director may elect to defer receipt of the common shares until the director departs from the Company’s Board of Directors. If a director elects to defer receipt, the Company will issue deferred stock units in which the director does not have voting rights or other incidents of ownership until the shares are issued. Each deferred stock unit is eligible for a dividend equivalent in the form of additional restricted stock units for each cash dividend payment paid by the Company. Non-employee director restricted share activity and related information was as follows on a continuing basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Restricted Weighted- Restricted Weighted- Restricted Weighted- Shares and Average Shares and Average Shares and Average Deferred Grant Date Deferred Grant Date Deferred Grant Date Stock Units Fair Value Stock Units Fair Value Stock Units Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 16 $ 62.17 15 $ 58.50 11 $ 52.00 Granted 24 42.88 16 62.17 16 58.58 Vested (16) 62.00 (15) 64.05 (12) 52.09 Forfeited — — — — — — Outstanding at end of year 24 $ 42.88 16 $ 62.17 15 $ 58.50 Total fair value of shares vested during the year $ 771 $ 970 $ 615 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares $ 1,026 $ 970 $ 775 Tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares $ 253 $ 244 $ 195 Unrecognized compensation expense for restricted shares $ 376 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 0.4 Net Income (Loss) per Share A reconciliation of net income attributable to Forward Air and weighted-average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income per share during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Numerator: Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations $ 52,767 $ 82,322 $ 88,563 Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income from discontinued operation (29,034) 4,777 3,488 Net income attributable to Forward Air $ 23,733 $ 87,099 $ 92,051 Income allocated to participating securities (385) (945) (881) Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share for continuing operations $ 52,382 $ 81,377 $ 87,682 Numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for discontinued operation $ (29,034) $ 4,777 $ 3,488 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 27,631 28,195 29,076 Dilutive stock options and performance share awards 66 113 114 Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding 27,697 28,308 29,190 Basic net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 1.90 $ 2.89 $ 3.02 Discontinued operation (1.05) 0.17 0.12 Net income per share 1 $ 0.84 $ 3.06 $ 3.14 Diluted net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 1.89 $ 2.87 $ 3.00 Discontinued operation (1.05) 0.17 0.12 Net income per share $ 0.84 $ 3.04 $ 3.12 1 Rounding may impact summation of amounts. The number of shares that were not included in the calculation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Anti-dilutive stock options 206 183 126 Anti-dilutive performance shares 15 — 16 Anti-dilutive restricted shares and deferred stock units 3 — 9 Total anti-dilutive shares 224 183 151

Income Taxes (Notes)

Income Taxes (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income TaxesThe 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 2013. The provision for income taxes by location of the taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following: 2020 2019 2018 Current: Federal $ 11,914 $ 15,612 $ 15,643 State 3,907 4,681 3,635 15,821 20,293 19,278 Deferred: Federal 922 5,766 6,826 State (150) 1,323 764 772 7,089 7,590 $ 16,593 $ 27,382 $ 26,868 A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (21% for 2020, 2019 and 2018) to the provision for income taxes reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Tax expense at the statutory rate $ 14,566 $ 23,038 $ 24,241 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2,602 4,594 3,659 Share-based compensation (298) (587) (50) Other permanent differences 48 (5) 139 Non-deductible compensation 751 421 13 Change in income tax contingency reserves (400) — — Federal income tax credits (37) (83) (186) Other (639) 4 (948) $ 16,593 $ 27,382 $ 26,868 The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: December 31, December 31, Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 12,095 $ 7,245 Allowance for doubtful accounts 577 527 Operating lease liabilities 31,309 26,989 Share-based compensation 3,554 3,881 Accruals for income tax contingencies 166 185 Net operating loss carryforwards 671 1,089 Total gross deferred tax assets 48,372 39,916 Valuation allowance (395) (395) Total net deferred tax assets 47,977 39,521 Deferred tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation 24,964 23,795 Prepaid expenses 6,499 4,043 Operating lease right-of-use assets 31,277 26,992 Goodwill 17,368 15,337 Intangible assets 9,855 10,568 Total deferred tax liabilities 89,963 80,735 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (41,986) $ (41,214) The Company paid income taxes, net of refunds, of $13,463, $19,959 and $20,894 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reserve against its state net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company assessed the likelihood that its deferred tax assets would be recovered from estimated future taxable income and available tax planning strategies. In making this assessment, all available evidence was considered including economic climate, as well as reasonable tax planning strategies. The Company believes it is more likely than not that it will realize its remaining net deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, in future years. As a result of the Towne acquisition, the Company had approximately $2,000 and $10,258 of federal net operating losses as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company fully utilized the federal net operating losses in 2020. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had a state net operating loss carryforward of $16,926, and at December 31, 2018, the Company had a state net operating loss carryforward of $18,148, that expire between 2020 and 2031. The state net operating loss carryforwards are limited to the future taxable income of separate legal entities. The valuation allowance on the state net operating loss carryforwards increased $35 during 2018. No change in the valuation allowance during 2020 and 2019. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of and during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,058 Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities (99) Additions for tax positions of current year 28 Balance at December 31, 2019 987 Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities (466) Additions for tax positions of current year 23 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 544

Leases (Notes)

Leases (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company leases certain facilities under noncancelable operating leases. The Company has entered into or assumed through acquisitions operating and finance leases for equipment including tractors, straight trucks, forklifts and trailers. Equipment under a finance lease is amortized over the shorter of the lease term or its estimated useful life. The Company subleases certain facilities to independent third parties. Since the Company is not relieved of its obligation under these leases, a right-of-use lease asset and corresponding operating lease liability is recorded. Sublease rental income was approximately $1,628, $1,634 and $1,213 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In 2021, the Company expects to receive aggregate future minimum rental payments under noncancelable subleases of approximately $929. Noncancelable subleases expire between 2021 and 2024. The Company does not recognize a right-of-use asset or lease liability with respect to operating leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less, and recognizes expense on such leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not account for lease components separately from nonlease components. The Company has certain leases that include one or more options to renew, with renewal periods ranging from one to ten years. The exercise of the lease renewal options is at the discretion of the Company and are included in the determination of the right-of-use asset and operating lease liability when the option is reasonably certain of being exercised. The depreciable life of right-of-use assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term. The Company has certain lease agreements for equipment that include variable rental payments based on estimated mileage. The variable rental payments are adjusted for periodically based on actual mileage. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. In addition, the Company has contracts with Leased Capacity Providers. These contracts explicitly identify the tractors that should be operated by the Leased Capacity Providers and therefore, the Company concluded the contracts contain an embedded lease. The compensation of the Leased Capacity Providers, as specified in the contract, is variable based upon a rate per shipment and a rate per mile. Given the structure of the compensation, the variable amounts are excluded from the calculation of the right-of-use lease asset and corresponding operating lease liability. Instead, the variable amounts are disclosed as variable lease costs in the table below. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, approximately $325,542 , $328,282 and $286,571, respectively, of variable lease costs related to the embedded leases were recorded in “Purchased transportation” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The following table summarizes the Company's lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and other information: Year ended December 31, December 31, Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of leased assets $ 1,560 $ 1,019 Interest on leased liabilities 197 129 Operating lease cost 50,561 44,403 Short-term lease cost 8,921 9,958 Variable lease cost 339,148 339,923 Sublease income (1,628) (1,634) Total lease cost $ 398,759 $ 393,798 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 197 $ 129 Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 50,263 $ 44,328 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,446 $ 946 Leased assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations $ 1,927 $ 8,188 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 72,454 $ 181,069 Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 4.0 4.6 Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 3.7 3.7 Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases 3.1 % 3.4 % Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases 3.2 % 3.4 % The aggregate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating and finance leases with remaining terms greater than one year as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Payment Due Period Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 $ 48,748 $ 1,979 2022 36,035 1,775 2023 26,414 1,633 2024 19,140 1,220 2025 9,560 612 Thereafter 9,548 5 Total minimum lease payments 149,445 7,224 Less: imputed interest (25,419) (413) Present value of future minimum lease payments 124,026 6,811 Less: current portion of lease obligations (43,680) (1,801) Long-term lease obligations $ 80,346 $ 5,010

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments As of December 31, 2020, the Company had unconditional purchase obligations of $2,551 to purchase forklifts during 2021. Contingencies The Company is party to various legal claims and actions incidental to its business. The Company believes none of these claims or actions, either individually or in the aggregate, is material to its business or financial statements as a whole, including its results of operations and financial condition. The Company is liable for claims related to vehicle liability, workers’ compensation, property damage and employee medical benefits. Insurance coverage provides the Company with primary and excess coverage, which the Company believes is sufficient to protect the Company from catastrophic claims. For vehicle liability, the Company retains a portion of the risk. Below is a summary of the Company’s risk retention on vehicle liability insurance coverage maintained by the Company through $10,000: Company Frequency Layer Policy Term Expedited Freight¹ LTL business $ 3,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $3,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Truckload business $ 2,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $2,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 6,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $3,000 to $5,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 5,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $5,000 to $10,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Intermodal $ 250 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $250 4/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 ¹ Excluding the Final Mile business, which is primarily a brokered service. ² For each and every accident, the Company is responsible for damages and defense up to these amounts, regardless of the number of claims associated with any accident. ³ During the Policy Term, the Company is responsible for damages and defense within the stated Layer up to the stated, aggregate amount of Company Risk Retention before insurance will respond. Also, from time to time, when brokering freight, the Company may face claims for the “negligent selection” of outside, contracted carriers that are involved in accidents, and the Company maintains third-party liability insurance coverage with a $100 deductible per occurrence for most of its brokered services. Additionally, the Company maintains workers’ compensation insurance with a self-insured retention of $500 per occurrence. Insurance coverage in excess of the self-insured retention limit is an important part of the Company’s risk management process. The Company believes the recorded reserves are sufficient for all incurred claims up to the self-insured retention limits, including an estimate for claims incurred but not reported. Since the ultimate resolution of outstanding claims as well as claims incurred but not reported is uncertain, it is possible that the reserves recorded for these losses could change materially in the near term. However, an estimate cannot be made of the range of additional loss that is at least reasonably possible. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a $7,500 reserve for a vehicular claim related to one incident. On December 15, 2020, the Company detected a Ransomware Incident impacting the Company’s operational and information technology systems, which caused service delays for the Company’s customers. Any failure to comply with data privacy, security or other laws and regulations could result in claims, legal or regulatory proceedings, inquires or investigations.

Employee Benefit Plan (Notes)

Employee Benefit Plan (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	Employee Benefit Plan The Company sponsors a qualified defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees. Under the defined contribution plan, the Company contributes 25.0% of the employee’s contribution up to a maximum of 6.0% of annual compensation, subject to certain limits. The Company contributed approximately $1,683 , $1,554 and $1,311 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities into one of three levels based on the assumptions used in valuing the asset or liability. Estimates of fair value financial assets and liabilities are based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. In accordance with this guidance, fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy: • Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. • Level 3 - Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable. As previously discussed in Note 3, Acquisitions, Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets, the fair value of the earn-out liability was determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The significant inputs used in the model are derived from a combination of observable and unobservable market data. Observable inputs used in the Monte Carlo simulation model include the risk-free rate and the revenue volatility while unobservable inputs used in the Monte Carlo simulation model include the revenue discount rate and the estimated revenue projections. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below: As of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Earn-out liability $ — $ — $ 6,865 $ 6,865 As of December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Earn-out liability $ — $ — $ 11,770 $ 11,770 Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are valued at their carrying amounts in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amount of long-term debt under the Company’s credit facility approximate fair value based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for a loan with similar terms and average maturity. As of December 31, 2020, the estimated fair value of the Company’s finance lease obligation, based on current borrowing rates, was $7,009, compared to its carrying value of $6,811. As of December 31, 2019, the estimated fair value of the Company’s finance lease obligation, based on current borrowing rates, was $6,318, compared to its carrying value of $6,330. In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company records assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Assets are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as a result of an impairment charge or assets held for sale. The losses on assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring, discontinued operation basis are summarized below: 2020 2019 Goodwill impairment charge 1 $ 5,406 $ — Valuation allowance on assets held for sale 1 22,978 — 1 See Note 2, Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale .

Segment Reporting (Notes)

Segment Reporting (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company has two reportable segments: Expedited Freight and Intermodal. The Company evaluates segment performance based on income from operations. Segment results include intersegment revenues and shared costs. Costs related to the corporate headquarters, shared services and shared assets, such as trailers, are allocated to each segment based on usage. Shared assets are not allocated to each segment, but rather the shared assets, such as trailers, are allocated to the Expedited Freight segment. The accounting policies applied to each segment are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies as disclosed in Note 1, except for certain self-insurance loss reserves related to vehicle liability and workers’ compensation. Each segment is allocated an insurance premium and deductible that corresponds to the self-insured retention limit for that particular segment. Any self-insurance loss exposure beyond the deductible allocated to each segment is recorded in Eliminations & Other. Segment results from operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows. Year ended December 31, 2020 Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & Other Consolidated External revenues $ 1,070,106 $ 199,567 $ — $ 1,269,673 Intersegment revenues 2,195 36 (2,331) (100) Depreciation 19,824 3,693 120 23,637 Amortization 7,203 6,285 — 13,488 Income (loss) from continuing operations 71,266 16,391 (13,733) 73,924 Total assets 905,081 221,963 (153,750) 973,294 Purchases of property and equipment 19,820 448 — 20,268 Year ended December 31, 2019 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & Other Consolidated External revenues $ 997,877 $ 217,606 $ — $ 1,215,483 Intersegment revenues 3,057 105 (3,458) (296) Depreciation 23,087 3,086 38 26,211 Amortization 4,335 5,848 — 10,183 Income (loss) from continuing operations 103,640 23,679 (14,903) 112,416 Total assets 717,555 206,576 (24,909) 899,222 Purchases of property and equipment 21,290 717 — 22,007 Year ended December 31, 2018 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & Other Consolidated External revenues $ 937,289 $ 200,750 $ — $ 1,138,039 Intersegment revenues 4,678 256 (5,360) (426) Depreciation 25,707 1,719 296 27,722 Amortization 3,499 4,610 — 8,109 Income (loss) from continuing operations 103,652 23,266 (9,702) 117,216 Total assets 555,501 167,002 (10,193) 712,310 Purchases of property and equipment 38,710 854 — 39,564 Revenue from the individual services within the Expedited Freight segment for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Expedited freight revenue: Network $ 625,517 $ 675,312 $ 677,416 Truckload $ 194,058 $ 196,855 $ 196,980 Final Mile $ 224,475 $ 100,555 $ 39,400 Other 28,251 28,212 28,171 Total $ 1,072,301 $ 1,000,934 $ 941,967

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019: 2020 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Operating revenue $ 305,557 $ 281,678 $ 331,997 $ 350,341 Net income from continuing operations $ 11,417 $ 9,225 $ 16,992 $ 15,133 Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax (3,042) (6,071) (345) (19,576) Net income $ 8,375 $ 3,154 $ 16,647 $ (4,443) Basic net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.41 $ 0.33 $ 0.61 $ 0.55 Discontinued operation (0.11) (0.22) (0.01) (0.72) Net income per share $ 0.30 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 $ (0.17) Diluted net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.41 $ 0.33 $ 0.61 $ 0.55 Discontinued operation (0.11) (0.22) (0.01) (0.72) Net income per share $ 0.30 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 $ (0.17) 2019 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Operating revenue $ 278,961 $ 302,887 $ 313,683 $ 319,656 Net income from continuing operations $ 17,688 $ 21,244 $ 21,054 $ 22,336 Income from discontinued operation, net of tax 719 1,086 1,141 1,832 Net income $ 18,407 $ 22,330 $ 22,195 $ 24,168 Basic net income per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 0.74 $ 0.79 Discontinued operation 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.07 Net income per share $ 0.64 $ 0.78 $ 0.78 $ 0.86 Diluted net income per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 0.74 $ 0.79 Discontinued operation 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.07 Net income per share 1 $ 0.64 $ 0.78 $ 0.78 $ 0.85 1 Rounding may impact summation of amounts.

Subsequent Event (Notes)

Subsequent Event (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events Intermodal Acquisition On February 5, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Proficient Transport for $15,000 in cash and a potential earn-out up to $2,000. Sale of Pool On February 12, 2021, the Company sold Pool to Ten Oaks Group, for total consideration of $20,000, consisting of an $8,000 upfront cash payment and a potential earn-out up to $12,000.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, 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 Year ended December 31, 2020 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,316 $ 567 $ — $ 615 2 $ 1,268 Allowance for revenue adjustments 1 737 — 4,751 4,483 3 1,005 Deferred tax valuation allowance 395 — — — 395 2,448 567 4,751 5,098 2,668 Year ended December 31, 2019 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,290 $ 752 $ — $ 726 2 $ 1,316 Allowance for revenue adjustments 1 755 — 3,339 3,357 3 737 Deferred tax valuation allowance 395 — — — 395 2,440 752 3,339 4,083 2,448 Year ended December 31, 2018 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,540 $ 122 $ — $ 1,372 2 $ 1,290 Allowance for revenue adjustments 1 451 — 3,624 3,320 3 755 Deferred tax valuation allowance 360 35 — — 395 3,351 157 3,624 4,692 2,440 1 Represents an allowance for revenue adjustments to accounts receivable resulting from future billing rate changes. 2 Represents uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Forward Air Corporation (“Forward Air” or the “Company”) is a leading asset-light freight and logistics company. The Company has two reportable segments: Expedited Freight and Intermodal. The Company conducts business in the United States (“U.S.”) and Canada. The Expedited Freight segment operates a comprehensive national network providing expedited regional, inter-regional and national LTL services. Expedited Freight offers customers local pick-up and delivery and other services including final mile, truckload, shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage and other handling. The Intermodal segment provides first- and last-mile high value intermodal container drayage services both to and from seaports and railheads. Intermodal also offers dedicated contract and Container Freight Station (“CFS”) warehouse and handling services. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include Forward Air Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. On April 23, 2020, the Board of Director’s (the “Board”) of the Company approved a strategy to divest of the Pool Distribution (“Pool”) business within the next year. Prior to the decision to divest of Pool, the Company had three reportable segments: Expedited Freight, Intermodal and Pool. As a result of the strategy to divest of Pool, the results of operations for Pool are presented as a discontinued operation on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, and assets and liabilities are reflected as “Assets and liabilities held for sale” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. Amounts for all periods discussed below reflect the results of operations, financial condition and cash flows from the Company’s continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Note 2, Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale,
Use of Estimates	Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. principles generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 of $25,246 and $64,749, respectively, consisted of cash on hand and bank deposits. The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents as of December 31, 2020 of $15,008 consisted of money market deposits.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Revenue Adjustments	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Revenue Adjustments The Company has a broad range of customers, including freight forwarders, third-party logistics (“3PL”) companies, passenger and cargo airlines, steamship lines, and retailers, located across a diverse geography. 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, in order to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers, the Company recognizes a general reserve based on a percentage of revenue to ensure accounts receivables are properly recorded at the net amount expected to be collected. Management evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivables at least quarterly and sets the reserve based on historical and current collection history and reasonable and supportable forecasts about any expected changes to our collection experience in the future due to changing economic conditions. 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. The Company records an allowance for revenue adjustments resulting from future billing rate changes. The adjustments arise: (a) when small rate changes (“spot quotes”) are granted to customers that differ from the standard rates in the billing system; (b) when freight requires dimensionalization or is reweighed which results in a different rate; (3) when billing errors occur; and (4) when data entry errors occur. 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. During 2020, average revenue adjustments per month were approximately $396 on average revenue per month of approximately $105,798 (0.4% of monthly revenue). The Company estimates an allowance for revenue adjustments based on historical experience, trends and current information. More specifically, the Company considers the average monthly revenue adjustments as well as the average lag for identifying and quantifying the revenue adjustments. The average amount of revenue adjustments per month can vary in relation to the level of revenue or based on other factors (such as personnel issues that could result in excessive manual errors or in excessive spot quotes being granted). Both the average monthly revenue adjustments and the average lag assumptions are continually evaluated for appropriateness.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using first-in, first-out method. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business. Replacement parts are expensed when placed in service, while tires are capitalized and amortized over their estimated useful life. Expenses related to the utilization of inventories are recorded in “ Other operating expenses ”
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, which are reviewed periodically and have the following ranges: Buildings 30-40 years Equipment 3-10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of Useful Life or Initial Lease Term
Software Development	Software Development The Company incurs costs related to internally developed software or software acquired for internal use. Depending on the applicable stage of the software development, costs may be capitalized or expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the five-year estimated useful life. As of December 31, 2020, capitalized software costs and accumulated amortization were $23,480 and $16,025, respectively, and as of December 31, 2019, capitalized software costs and accumulated amortization were $21,536 and $14,133, respectively. Capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization was recorded in "Property and equipment" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Software development cost a mortization was $2,053
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually, as of June 30, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In order to test for impairment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its carrying value, the goodwill is adjusted by the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, limited to the amount of goodwill. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of
Self-Insurance Loss Reserves	Self-Insurance Loss Reserves Under U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) regulations, the Company is liable for bodily injury and property damage caused by Leased Capacity Providers and employee drivers while they are operating equipment under the Company’s various motor carrier authorities. The potential liability associated with any accident can be severe and occurrences are unpredictable. For vehicle liability, the Company retains a portion of the risk. Below is a summary of the Company’s risk retention on vehicle liability insurance coverage maintained by the Company through $10,000: Company Frequency Layer Policy Term Expedited Freight¹ LTL business $ 3,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $3,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Truckload business $ 2,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $2,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 6,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $3,000 to $5,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 5,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $5,000 to $10,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Intermodal $ 250 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $250 4/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 ¹ Excluding the Final Mile business, which is primarily a brokered service. ² For each and every accident, the Company is responsible for damages and defense up to these amounts, regardless of the number of claims associated with any accident. ³ During the Policy Term, the Company is responsible for damages and defense within the stated Layer up to the stated, aggregate amount of Company Risk Retention before insurance will respond. Also, from time to time, when brokering freight, the Company may face claims for the “negligent selection” of outside, contracted carriers that are involved in accidents, and the Company maintains third-party liability insurance coverage with a $100 deductible per occurrence for most of its brokered services. Additionally, the Company maintains workers’ compensation insurance with a self-insured retention of $500 per occurrence. The Company provides for the estimated costs of vehicle liability and workers’ compensation claims both reported and for claims incurred but not reported. 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 Company estimates its self-insurance loss exposure by evaluating the merits and circumstances surrounding individual known claims and through actuarial analysis to determine an estimate of probable losses on claims incurred but not reported. If the events underlying the claims have occurred as of the balance sheet date, then losses are recognized immediately. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded insurance reserves of $72,650 and $66,176, respectively, inclusive of reserves in excess of the self-insured retention limit that are expected to be reimbursed from insurance carriers. As of December 31, 2020, $20,342 was recorded in “Insurance and claims accruals” and $52,308 was recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2019, $16,366 was recorded in “Insurance and claims accruals” and $49,810 was recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when the Company satisfies the performance obligation by the delivery of a shipment in accordance with contractual agreements, bill of lading (“BOL”) and general tariff provisions. The amount of revenue recognized is measured as the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services pursuant to a contract with a customer. A contract exists once the Company enters into a contractual agreement with a customer. The Company does not recognize revenue in cases where collectibility is not probable, and defers recognition until collection is probable or payment is received. The Company generates revenue from the delivery of a shipment and the completion of related services. Revenue for the delivery of a shipment is recorded over time to coincide with when customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the delivery services. Accordingly, revenue billed to a customer for the transportation of freight are recognized over the transit period as the performance obligation to the customer is satisfied. The Company determines the transit period for a shipment based on the pick-up date and the delivery date, which may be estimated if delivery has not occurred as of a reporting period. The determination of the transit period and how much of it has been completed as of a given reporting date may require the Company to make judgments that impact the timing of revenue recognized. For delivery of shipments with a pick-up date in one reporting period and a delivery date in another reporting period, the Company recognizes revenue based on relative transit time in each reporting period. A portion of the total revenue to be billed to the customer after completion of a delivery is recognized in each reporting period based on the percentage of total transit time that has been completed at the end of the applicable reporting period. Upon delivery of a shipment or related service, customers are billed according to the applicable payment terms. Related services are a separate performance obligation and include accessorial charges such as terminal handling, storage, equipment rentals and customs brokerage.
Leases	Leases Effective, January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases,
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Upon the acquisition of a business, the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed must be estimated. This requires judgments regarding the identification of acquired assets and liabilities assumed, some of which may not have been previously recorded by the acquired business, as well as judgments regarding the valuation of all identified acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are determined by reviewing the operations, interviewing management and reviewing the financial and contractual information of the acquired business. Consideration is typically paid in the form of cash paid upon closing or contingent consideration paid upon satisfaction of a future obligation. If contingent consideration is included in the purchase price, the Company values that consideration as of the acquisition date and it is recorded to goodwill.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company is involved in various tax matters, with respect to some of which the outcome is uncertain. We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that it becomes uncertain the tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained, the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, but for a lesser amount, or the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, but not in the financial period in which the tax position was originally taken. A number of years may elapse before a particular uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved or when a tax assessment is raised. The number of years subject to tax assessments varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the more likely than not recognition threshold would be recognized in income tax expense in the first period when the uncertainty disappears under any one of the following conditions: the tax position is more likely than not to be sustained, the tax position, amount, and/or timing is ultimately settled through negotiation or litigation, or the statute of limitations for the tax position has expired. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in “Interest expense, net” and “Other operating expenses”, respectively.
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Common ShareBasic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Restricted shares have non-forfeitable rights to dividends and as a result, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income per common share pursuant to the two-class method. Net income allocated to participating securities was $385 in 2020, $945 in 2019 and $881 in 2018. Diluted net income per common share assumes the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance share awards using the treasury stock method when the effects of such assumptions are dilutive.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company grants awards under the stock-based compensation plans to certain employees of the Company. The awards include stock options, restricted shares and performance shares. The fair value of the stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. The fair value of the restricted shares is the quoted market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date, and the share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For certain performance shares, the fair value is the quote market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date less the present value of the expected dividends not received during the relevant period. For these performance shares, the share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period based on the projected assessment of the level of performance that will be achieved. The fair value of other performance shares that have a financial target of the Company’s total shareholder return as compared to the total shareholder return of a selected peer group, is estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period. All share-based compensation expense is recognized in salaries, wages and employee benefits on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Refer to Note 5, Stockholders’ Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income Per Share
Ransomware incident	Ransomware Incident In December 2020, the Company detected a ransomware incident impacting its operational and information technology systems, which caused service delays for many of its customers (“Ransomware Incident”). Promptly upon its detection of the incident, the Company initiated response protocols, launched an investigation and engaged the services of cybersecurity and forensics professionals. The Company has also engaged with the appropriate law enforcement authorities. The Company continues to cooperate with law enforcement in connection with the criminal investigation into those responsible for the Ransomware Incident.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 ("ASU 2016-13"), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which replaces the incurred loss methodology previously used to measure credit losses for most financial assets and requires the use of a forward-looking expected loss model. Under ASU 2016-13, credit losses are recognized when it is probable a loss has been incurred. The new standard requires financial assets to be measured at amortized costs less a reserve, equal to the net amount expected to be collected. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. In April 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASU 2019-04”), which provides, among other things, targeted improvements to certain aspects of accounting for credit losses addressed by ASU 2016-13. In November 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (“ASU 2019-11”), which clarifies the treatment of expected recoveries for amounts previously written-off on purchased receivables, provides transition relief for troubled debt restructurings and allows for certain disclosure simplifications of accrued interest. The effective dates for both ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-11 are the same as the effective date for ASU 2016-13. The Company adopted this standard, and its subsequent modifications, as of January 1, 2020, which resulted in the Company revising its allowance for doubtful accounts policy on a prospective basis. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Accounting Policies (Tables)

Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives, which are reviewed periodically and have the following ranges: Buildings 30-40 years Equipment 3-10 years Leasehold improvements Lesser of Useful Life or Initial Lease Term
Self-Insurance Loss Reserves	Company Frequency Layer Policy Term Expedited Freight¹ LTL business $ 3,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $3,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Truckload business $ 2,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $2,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 6,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $3,000 to $5,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 5,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $5,000 to $10,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Intermodal $ 250 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $250 4/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 ¹ Excluding the Final Mile business, which is primarily a brokered service. ² For each and every accident, the Company is responsible for damages and defense up to these amounts, regardless of the number of claims associated with any accident.

Discontinued Operation and He_2

Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operation and Held For Sale	A summary of the carrying amounts of major classes of assets and liabilities, which are included in assets and liabilities held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, is as follows: December 31, December 31, Assets Current assets: Accounts receivable, less allowance of $86 in 2020 and $48 in 2019 $ 19,740 $ 13,983 Other current assets 1,262 969 Total current assets held for sale $ 21,002 $ 14,952 Property and equipment $ 48,905 $ 53,166 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 28,890 32,891 Net property and equipment 20,015 20,275 Operating lease right-of-use assets 46,865 46,487 Goodwill — 5,406 Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $12,679 in 2020 and $12,359 in 2019 2,621 2,941 Deferred income taxes 3,253 — Other assets 3,321 1,595 Valuation allowance on assets held for sale (22,978) — Total noncurrent assets held for sale $ 53,097 $ 76,704 Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,002 $ 4,575 Accrued expenses 5,070 5,668 Other current liabilities 27 2 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 16,825 14,729 Total current liabilities held for sale $ 25,924 $ 24,974 Operating lease liabilities, less current portion $ 30,024 $ 31,847 Other long-term liabilities 4,551 2,368 Deferred income taxes — 2,728 Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale $ 34,575 $ 36,943 A summary of the results of operations classified as a discontinued operation, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Operating revenue $ 141,433 $ 195,208 $ 183,273 Operating expenses: Purchased transportation 33,979 52,867 49,323 Salaries, wages and employee benefits 65,695 77,162 70,596 Operating leases 21,982 18,918 17,488 Depreciation and amortization 1,657 5,715 6,352 Insurance and claims 6,205 6,707 5,611 Fuel expense 4,279 6,462 6,961 Other operating expenses 17,587 20,969 22,126 Impairment charge 28,384 — — Total operating expenses 179,768 188,800 178,457 (Loss) income from discontinued operation before income taxes (38,335) 6,408 4,816 Income tax (benefit) expense (9,301) 1,631 1,328 (Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax $ (29,034) $ 4,777 $ 3,488

Acquisitions, Goodwill, Intangi

Acquisitions, Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Intangible Assets	The Company amortizes certain acquired identifiable intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from 1 to 20 years. The acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life as follows: Intangible Assets Weighted-Average Useful Life Customer relationships 15 years Non-compete agreements 4 years Trade names 4 years
Changes in Carrying Amount of Acquired Intangible Assets	Changes in the carrying amount of acquired intangible assets during 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Customer relationships 1 $ 228,416 $ (85,930) $ 142,486 $ 196,225 $ (73,868) $ 122,357 Non-compete agreements 8,125 (5,579) 2,546 6,652 (4,152) 2,500 Trade names 1,500 (1,500) — 1,500 (1,500) — Total $ 238,041 $ (93,009) $ 145,032 $ 204,377 $ (79,520) $ 124,857 1
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Assumptions	The weighted-average assumptions under the Monte Carlo simulation model were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019: FSA Earn-Out December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Risk-free rate 1.4% 2.2% Revenue discount rate 3.2% 4.4% Revenue volatility 8.0% 5.0%
Purchase Price Allocation	Assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date are presented in the following table: MMT Southwest FSA O.S.T. Linn Star CLW July 25, 2018 October 28, 2018 April 21, 2019 July 14, 2019 January 12, 2020 October 11, 2020 Tangible assets: Cash $ — $ — $ 202 $ — $ 1,308 $ — Other receivables — — 1,491 — — — Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 1,182 — Property and equipment 81 933 40 10,371 605 — Right-of-use lease assets — — 3,209 1,672 10,011 811 Total tangible assets 81 933 4,942 12,043 13,106 811 Intangible assets: Non-compete agreements 43 650 900 850 450 1,000 Customer relationships 1,659 9,200 17,900 5,700 29,800 1,500 Goodwill 1,954 5,467 19,963 2,050 25,234 3,000 Total intangible assets 3,656 15,317 38,763 8,600 55,484 5,500 Total assets acquired 3,737 16,250 43,705 20,643 68,590 6,311 Liabilities assumed: Current liabilities — — 8,466 — 1,340 — Other liabilities — — 5,030 — — — Operating lease liabilities — — 3,209 1,672 10,011 811 Finance lease obligations — — — 6,971 — — Total liabilities assumed — — 16,705 8,643 11,351 — Net assets acquired $ 3,737 $ 16,250 $ 27,000 $ 12,000 $ 57,239 $ 5,500
Weighted-Average Useful Life of Acquired Intangible Assets	The weighted-average useful life of acquired intangible assets as of the acquisition date are summarized in the following table: FSA O.S.T. Linn Star CLW Customer relationships 15 years 10 years 15 years 7 years Non-compete agreements 5 years 3 years 1 year 5 years
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows: Expedited Freight Intermodal Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 117,071 $ 76,615 $ 193,686 Acquisitions 19,963 2,050 22,013 Balance as of December 31, 2019 137,034 78,665 215,699 Acquisitions 28,234 1,049 29,283 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 165,268 $ 79,714 $ 244,982

Shareholder's Equity, Stock I_2

Shareholder's Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of net income attributable to Forward Air and weighted-average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net income per share during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Numerator: Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations $ 52,767 $ 82,322 $ 88,563 Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income from discontinued operation (29,034) 4,777 3,488 Net income attributable to Forward Air $ 23,733 $ 87,099 $ 92,051 Income allocated to participating securities (385) (945) (881) Numerator for basic and diluted net income per share for continuing operations $ 52,382 $ 81,377 $ 87,682 Numerator for basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for discontinued operation $ (29,034) $ 4,777 $ 3,488 Denominator: Denominator for basic net income per share - weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 27,631 28,195 29,076 Dilutive stock options and performance share awards 66 113 114 Denominator for diluted net income per share - weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding 27,697 28,308 29,190 Basic net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 1.90 $ 2.89 $ 3.02 Discontinued operation (1.05) 0.17 0.12 Net income per share 1 $ 0.84 $ 3.06 $ 3.14 Diluted net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 1.89 $ 2.87 $ 3.00 Discontinued operation (1.05) 0.17 0.12 Net income per share $ 0.84 $ 3.04 $ 3.12
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The number of shares that were not included in the calculation of net income per diluted share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Anti-dilutive stock options 206 183 126 Anti-dilutive performance shares 15 — 16 Anti-dilutive restricted shares and deferred stock units 3 — 9 Total anti-dilutive shares 224 183 151
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average assumptions under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2018. The Company did not grant stock options during the year ended December 31, 2019. December 31, December 31, Expected dividend yield 1.1 % 1.1 % Expected stock price volatility 24.1 % 24.4 % Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % 2.7 % Expected life of options (years) 5.9 6.1 The following table sets forth the exercise price range, number of shares, weighted-average exercise price and remaining contractual lives by groups of similar price on a continuing basis as of December 31, 2020: Weighted- Outstanding Exercisable Average Weighted- Weighted- Range of Number of Shares Outstanding Remaining Average Number of Shares Exercisable Average Exercise Contractual Life Exercise Exercise Price (in years) Price Price $ 43.67 - $ 44.90 59 2.1 $ 43.70 59 $ 43.70 47.82 - 48.32 68 3.1 47.86 68 47.86 50.71 - 53.73 26 1.6 51.31 26 51.31 57.18 - 60.42 70 4.1 58.73 45 58.64 64.26 - 65.96 136 5.0 64.71 67 64.26 $ 43.67 - $ 65.96 359 3.7 $ 55.88 265 $ 53.23 Stock option activity and related information on a continuing basis was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Options Price Options Price Options Price Outstanding at beginning of year 417 $ 53.37 512 $ 51.49 417 $ 44.55 Granted 36 65.96 — — 190 61.72 Exercised (89) 47.72 (87) 42.24 (95) 41.42 Forfeited (5) 59.73 (8) 53.76 — — Outstanding at end of year 359 $ 55.79 417 $ 53.37 512 $ 51.49 Exercisable at end of year 265 $ 53.20 262 $ 50.03 213 $ 44.66 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the year $ 14.79 $ — $ 15.82 Aggregate intrinsic value for stock options exercised $ 1,568 $ 2,196 $ 1,992 Average aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding $ 970 Average aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable stock options $ 1,435 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for stock options $ 1,163 $ 1,556 $ 1,521 Tax benefit for stock options exercised $ 287 $ 392 $ 384 Unrecognized compensation expense for stock options $ 784 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.3 The following table sets forth the exercise price range, number of shares, weighted-average exercise price and remaining contractual lives by groups of similar price on a discontinued basis as of December 31, 2020: Weighted- Outstanding Exercisable Average Weighted- Weighted- Range of Number of Shares Outstanding Remaining Average Number of Shares Exercisable Average Exercise Contractual Life Exercise Exercise Price (in years) Price Price $ 47.82 - $ 58.40 14 3.5 $ 52.22 14 $ 52.22 Stock option activity and related information on a discontinued basis was as follows: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Stock Exercise Options Price Options Price Options Price Outstanding at beginning of year 14 $ 52.15 26 $ 49.00 22 $ 47.49 Granted — — — — 4 58.40 Exercised — — (12) 45.46 — — Forfeited — — — — — — Outstanding at end of year 14 $ 52.15 14 $ 52.15 26 $ 49.00 Exercisable at end of year 14 $ 52.15 9 $ 51.35 17 $ 47.74 Weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the year $ — $ — $ 16 Aggregate intrinsic value for stock options exercised $ — $ 193 $ — Average aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding $ 54 Average aggregate intrinsic value for exercisable stock options $ 54 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for stock options $ 22 $ 41 $ 57 Tax benefit for stock options exercised $ 6 $ 11 $ 14 Unrecognized compensation expense for stock options $ — Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) —
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted share activity and related information on a continuing basis was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 264 $ 58.34 302 $ 54.92 216 $ 46.73 Granted 116 65.88 112 59.49 192 59.88 Vested (150) 57.40 (126) 51.50 (102) 47.04 Forfeited (17) 62.39 (24) 56.69 (4) 52.01 Outstanding at end of year 213 $ 62.78 264 $ 58.34 302 $ 54.92 Total fair value of shares vested during the year $ 9,180 $ 7,684 $ 5,758 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares $ 7,310 $ 7,936 $ 6,633 Tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares $ 1,747 $ 1,951 $ 1,660 Unrecognized compensation expense for restricted shares $ 7,767 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.7 Restricted share activity and related information on a discontinued basis was as follows: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Restricted Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 13 $ 54.93 13 $ 55.16 11 $ 46.71 Granted 6 63.24 5 59.07 10 59.46 Vested (10) 58.43 (5) 48.85 (5) 47.00 Forfeited (1) 63.49 — — (3) 51.68 Outstanding at end of year 8 $ 60.83 13 $ 54.93 13 $ 55.16 Total fair value of shares vested during the year $ 625 $ 270 $ 282 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares $ 71 $ 65 $ 241 Tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares $ 71 $ 66 $ 72 Unrecognized compensation expense for restricted shares $ 270 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.8
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 weighted average assumptions under the Monte Carlo simulation model were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Expected stock price volatility 23.5 % 23.4 % 24.3 % Weighted average risk-free interest rate 1.4 % 2.5 % 2.2 % Performance share activity was as follows and is presented as if the Company were to achieve its target level of performance, on a continuing basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 58 $ 62.44 62 $ 58.40 66 $ 57.63 Granted 38 69.15 28 61.42 17 72.30 Additional shares awarded based on actual performance level achieved 13 51.13 — — — — Vested (33) 51.13 (22) 63.57 — — Forfeited (11) 66.37 (10) 62.77 (21) 67.28 Outstanding at end of year 65 $ 67.62 58 $ 62.44 62 $ 58.40 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for performance shares $ 1,242 $ 1,103 $ 1,208 Tax benefit for vesting of performance shares $ 306 $ 278 $ 304 Unrecognized compensation expense for performance shares $ 2,095 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 1.9 Performance share activity was as follows and is presented as if the Company were to achieve its target level of performance, on a discontinued basis: Year ended 2020 2019 2018 Weighted- Weighted- Weighted- Average Average Average Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Performance Grant Date Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Shares Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 4 $ 62.05 3 $ 57.90 3 $ 57.03 Granted 1 69.15 2 61.03 1 72.30 Additional shares awarded based on actual performance level achieved 1 51.13 — — — — Vested (2) 51.13 (1) 63.57 — — Forfeited (4) 65.69 — — (1) 67.28 Outstanding at end of year — $ — 4 $ 62.05 3 $ 57.90 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for performance shares $ (8) $ 73 $ 55 Tax benefit for the vesting of performance shares $ (2) $ 18 $ 14 Unrecognized compensation expense for performance shares $ — Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) —
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]	Employee stock purchase plan activity and related information was as follows on a continuing basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Shares purchased by employees 14 11 8 Average purchase price $ 44.24 $ 51.50 $ 50.62 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase under the ESPP granted 1 $ 20.99 $ 13.68 $ 6.26 Share-based compensation expense for ESPP shares $ 292 $ 150 $ 54 1 Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period Employee stock purchase plan activity and related information was as follows on a discontinued basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Shares purchased by employees 1 1 1 Average purchase price $ 44.35 $ 51.39 $ 50.64 Weighted-average fair value of each purchase under the ESPP granted 1 $ 18.11 $ 13.48 $ 6.27 Share-based compensation expense for ESPP shares $ 20 $ 13 $ 5 1 Equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period
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]	Non-employee director restricted share activity and related information was as follows on a continuing basis: Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Restricted Weighted- Restricted Weighted- Restricted Weighted- Shares and Average Shares and Average Shares and Average Deferred Grant Date Deferred Grant Date Deferred Grant Date Stock Units Fair Value Stock Units Fair Value Stock Units Fair Value Outstanding at beginning of year 16 $ 62.17 15 $ 58.50 11 $ 52.00 Granted 24 42.88 16 62.17 16 58.58 Vested (16) 62.00 (15) 64.05 (12) 52.09 Forfeited — — — — — — Outstanding at end of year 24 $ 42.88 16 $ 62.17 15 $ 58.50 Total fair value of shares vested during the year $ 771 $ 970 $ 615 Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares $ 1,026 $ 970 $ 775 Tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares $ 253 $ 244 $ 195 Unrecognized compensation expense for restricted shares $ 376 Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized (years) 0.4

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The provision for income taxes by location of the taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the following: 2020 2019 2018 Current: Federal $ 11,914 $ 15,612 $ 15,643 State 3,907 4,681 3,635 15,821 20,293 19,278 Deferred: Federal 922 5,766 6,826 State (150) 1,323 764 772 7,089 7,590 $ 16,593 $ 27,382 $ 26,868
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (21% for 2020, 2019 and 2018) to the provision for income taxes reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows: 2020 2019 2018 Tax expense at the statutory rate $ 14,566 $ 23,038 $ 24,241 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2,602 4,594 3,659 Share-based compensation (298) (587) (50) Other permanent differences 48 (5) 139 Non-deductible compensation 751 421 13 Change in income tax contingency reserves (400) — — Federal income tax credits (37) (83) (186) Other (639) 4 (948) $ 16,593 $ 27,382 $ 26,868
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: December 31, December 31, Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses $ 12,095 $ 7,245 Allowance for doubtful accounts 577 527 Operating lease liabilities 31,309 26,989 Share-based compensation 3,554 3,881 Accruals for income tax contingencies 166 185 Net operating loss carryforwards 671 1,089 Total gross deferred tax assets 48,372 39,916 Valuation allowance (395) (395) Total net deferred tax assets 47,977 39,521 Deferred tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation 24,964 23,795 Prepaid expenses 6,499 4,043 Operating lease right-of-use assets 31,277 26,992 Goodwill 17,368 15,337 Intangible assets 9,855 10,568 Total deferred tax liabilities 89,963 80,735 Net deferred tax liabilities $ (41,986) $ (41,214)
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 benefits as of and during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,058 Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities (99) Additions for tax positions of current year 28 Balance at December 31, 2019 987 Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities (466) Additions for tax positions of current year 23 Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 544

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company's lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and other information: Year ended December 31, December 31, Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of leased assets $ 1,560 $ 1,019 Interest on leased liabilities 197 129 Operating lease cost 50,561 44,403 Short-term lease cost 8,921 9,958 Variable lease cost 339,148 339,923 Sublease income (1,628) (1,634) Total lease cost $ 398,759 $ 393,798 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 197 $ 129 Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 50,263 $ 44,328 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,446 $ 946 Leased assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations $ 1,927 $ 8,188 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 72,454 $ 181,069 Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) 4.0 4.6 Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) 3.7 3.7 Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases 3.1 % 3.4 % Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases 3.2 % 3.4 %
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]	The aggregate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating and finance leases with remaining terms greater than one year as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Payment Due Period Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 $ 48,748 $ 1,979 2022 36,035 1,775 2023 26,414 1,633 2024 19,140 1,220 2025 9,560 612 Thereafter 9,548 5 Total minimum lease payments 149,445 7,224 Less: imputed interest (25,419) (413) Present value of future minimum lease payments 124,026 6,811 Less: current portion of lease obligations (43,680) (1,801) Long-term lease obligations $ 80,346 $ 5,010

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Commitments [Table Text Block]	Company Frequency Layer Policy Term Expedited Freight¹ LTL business $ 3,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $3,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Truckload business $ 2,000 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $2,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 6,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $3,000 to $5,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 LTL and Truckload businesses $ 5,000 Policy Term Aggregate³ $5,000 to $10,000 10/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 Intermodal $ 250 Occurrence/Accident² $0 to $250 4/1/2020 to 10/1/2021 ¹ Excluding the Final Mile business, which is primarily a brokered service. ² For each and every accident, the Company is responsible for damages and defense up to these amounts, regardless of the number of claims associated with any accident.

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below: As of December 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Earn-out liability $ — $ — $ 6,865 $ 6,865 As of December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Earn-out liability $ — $ — $ 11,770 $ 11,770
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	The losses on assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring, discontinued operation basis are summarized below: 2020 2019 Goodwill impairment charge 1 $ 5,406 $ — Valuation allowance on assets held for sale 1 22,978 — 1 See Note 2, Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale .

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of segment information	Segment results from operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows. Year ended December 31, 2020 Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & Other Consolidated External revenues $ 1,070,106 $ 199,567 $ — $ 1,269,673 Intersegment revenues 2,195 36 (2,331) (100) Depreciation 19,824 3,693 120 23,637 Amortization 7,203 6,285 — 13,488 Income (loss) from continuing operations 71,266 16,391 (13,733) 73,924 Total assets 905,081 221,963 (153,750) 973,294 Purchases of property and equipment 19,820 448 — 20,268 Year ended December 31, 2019 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & Other Consolidated External revenues $ 997,877 $ 217,606 $ — $ 1,215,483 Intersegment revenues 3,057 105 (3,458) (296) Depreciation 23,087 3,086 38 26,211 Amortization 4,335 5,848 — 10,183 Income (loss) from continuing operations 103,640 23,679 (14,903) 112,416 Total assets 717,555 206,576 (24,909) 899,222 Purchases of property and equipment 21,290 717 — 22,007 Year ended December 31, 2018 (As Adjusted) Expedited Freight Intermodal Eliminations & Other Consolidated External revenues $ 937,289 $ 200,750 $ — $ 1,138,039 Intersegment revenues 4,678 256 (5,360) (426) Depreciation 25,707 1,719 296 27,722 Amortization 3,499 4,610 — 8,109 Income (loss) from continuing operations 103,652 23,266 (9,702) 117,216 Total assets 555,501 167,002 (10,193) 712,310 Purchases of property and equipment 38,710 854 — 39,564 Revenue from the individual services within the Expedited Freight segment for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: Year ended Year ended Year ended December 31, December 31, December 31, Expedited freight revenue: Network $ 625,517 $ 675,312 $ 677,416 Truckload $ 194,058 $ 196,855 $ 196,980 Final Mile $ 224,475 $ 100,555 $ 39,400 Other 28,251 28,212 28,171 Total $ 1,072,301 $ 1,000,934 $ 941,967

Quarterly Results of Operatio_2

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019: 2020 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Operating revenue $ 305,557 $ 281,678 $ 331,997 $ 350,341 Net income from continuing operations $ 11,417 $ 9,225 $ 16,992 $ 15,133 Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax (3,042) (6,071) (345) (19,576) Net income $ 8,375 $ 3,154 $ 16,647 $ (4,443) Basic net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.41 $ 0.33 $ 0.61 $ 0.55 Discontinued operation (0.11) (0.22) (0.01) (0.72) Net income per share $ 0.30 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 $ (0.17) Diluted net income (loss) per share: Continuing operations $ 0.41 $ 0.33 $ 0.61 $ 0.55 Discontinued operation (0.11) (0.22) (0.01) (0.72) Net income per share $ 0.30 $ 0.11 $ 0.60 $ (0.17) 2019 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Operating revenue $ 278,961 $ 302,887 $ 313,683 $ 319,656 Net income from continuing operations $ 17,688 $ 21,244 $ 21,054 $ 22,336 Income from discontinued operation, net of tax 719 1,086 1,141 1,832 Net income $ 18,407 $ 22,330 $ 22,195 $ 24,168 Basic net income per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 0.74 $ 0.79 Discontinued operation 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.07 Net income per share $ 0.64 $ 0.78 $ 0.78 $ 0.86 Diluted net income per share: Continuing operations $ 0.61 $ 0.74 $ 0.74 $ 0.79 Discontinued operation 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.07 Net income per share 1 $ 0.64 $ 0.78 $ 0.78 $ 0.85 1 Rounding may impact summation of amounts.

Accounting Policies (Details)

Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of principal reporting segments | numberOfSegments	2	3
Cash	$ 25,246,000	$ 64,749,000
Cash equivalents	15,008,000
Average monthly revenue adjustments	396,000
Average monthly revenue	$ 105,798,000
Average monthly revenue adjustments as a percentage of monthly revenue	0.40%
Capitalized software development costs	$ 23,480,000	21,536,000
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Liability insurance coverage	100,000
Self-insurance retention workers' compensation	500,000
Self Insurance Reserve	72,650,000	66,176,000
Self Insurance Reserve, Noncurrent	52,308,000	49,810,000
Insurance Settlements Receivable	$ 36,743,000	34,091,000
Accounting Policies, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Maximum term for liquid investments to be considered cash equivalents, in months	3 months
Accounting Policies, Software Development [Abstract]
Capitalized computer software, accumulated amortization	$ 16,025,000	14,133,000
Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization	2,053,000	1,714,000	$ 1,779,000
Capitalized software future estimated amortization expense
2021	1,988,000
2022	1,749,000
2023	1,472,000
2024	1,124,000
2025	507,000
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic	385,000	945,000	$ 881,000
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	20,342,000	$ 16,366,000
Other operating expenses	$ 1,560,000
Software and Software Development Costs [Member]
Accounting Policies, Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, useful life	5 years
Stock Option [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
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
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible	$ 6,000,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	3,000,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	5,000,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible	5,000,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	5,000,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	10,000,000
Expedited LTL [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible	3,000,000
Expedited LTL [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	0
Expedited LTL [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	3,000,000
Truckload [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $2,000 [Member]
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible	2,000,000
Truckload [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $2,000 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	0
Truckload [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $2,000 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	2,000,000
Intermodal [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	0
Intermodal [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies, Use of Estimates [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	250,000
Intermodal [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $250
Accounting Policies, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Self insurance retention liability additional deductible	$ 250,000

Discontinued Operation and He_3

Discontinued Operation and Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 12, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash from sale of Pool	$ 8,000
Earn-out from sale of Pool	$ 12,000
Total current assets held for sale		$ 21,002				$ 14,952				$ 21,002	$ 14,952
Total noncurrent assets held for sale		53,097				76,704				53,097	76,704
Total current liabilities held for sale		25,924				24,974				25,924	24,974
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale		34,575				36,943				34,575	36,943
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax		(19,576)	$ (345)	$ (6,071)	$ (3,042)	1,832	$ 1,141	$ 1,086	$ 719	(29,034)	4,777	$ 3,488
Discontinued Operations
Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount				5.00%
Non-cash charge										5,406
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $86 in 2020 and $48 in 2019		19,740				13,983				19,740	13,983
Other current assets		1,262				969				1,262	969
Total current assets held for sale		21,002				14,952				21,002	14,952
Property and equipment		48,905				53,166				48,905	53,166
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization										28,890	32,891
Net property and equipment		20,015				20,275				20,015	20,275
Operating lease right-of-use asset		46,865				46,487				46,865	46,487
Goodwill		0				5,406				0	5,406
Other acquired intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $12,679 in 2020 and $12,359 in 2019		2,621				2,941				2,621	2,941
Deferred income taxes		3,253				0				3,253	0
Other assets		3,321				1,595				3,321	1,595
Valuation allowance on assets held for sale										(22,978)	0
Total noncurrent assets held for sale		53,097				76,704				53,097	76,704
Accounts payable		4,002				4,575				4,002	4,575
Accrued expenses		5,070				5,668				5,070	5,668
Other current liabilities		27				2				27	2
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		16,825				14,729				16,825	14,729
Total current liabilities held for sale		25,924				24,974				25,924	24,974
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion		30,024				31,847				30,024	31,847
Other long-term liabilities		4,551				2,368				4,551	2,368
Deferred income taxes		0				2,728				0	2,728
Total noncurrent liabilities held for sale		$ 34,575				$ 36,943				34,575	36,943
Operating revenue										141,433	195,208	183,273
Purchased transportation										33,979	52,867	49,323
Salaries, wages and employee benefits										65,695	77,162	70,596
Operating leases										21,982	18,918	17,488
Depreciation and amortization										1,657	5,715	6,352
Insurance and claims										6,205	6,707	5,611
Fuel expense										4,279	6,462	6,961
Other operating expenses										17,587	20,969	22,126
Impairment charge										28,384	0	0
Total operating expenses										179,768	188,800	178,457
(Loss) income from discontinued operation before income taxes										(38,335)	6,408	4,816
Income tax (benefit) expense										(9,301)	1,631	1,328
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax										$ (29,034)	$ 4,777	$ 3,488

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details)	Jan. 12, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 05, 2021USD ($)	Oct. 11, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 14, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 28, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 25, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash					$ 15,000,000
Earn-out acquired, maximum					$ 2,000,000
Earn-out acquired with acquisition		$ 11,803,000
Accumulated impairment loss			$ (25,686,000)
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			4 years
Trade Names [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			4 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			15 years
MMT [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid									$ 3,737,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets									81,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets									81,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles									3,656,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets									3,737,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets									3,737,000
MMT [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill									43,000
MMT [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill									1,659,000
MMT [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles									$ 1,954,000
Southwest Freight Distributors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid								$ 16,250,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets								933,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets								933,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles								15,317,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets								16,250,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets								16,250,000
Southwest Freight Distributors [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill								650,000
Southwest Freight Distributors [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill								9,200,000
Southwest Freight Distributors [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles								$ 5,467,000
FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cash acquired from acquisition		202,000
Business Combination, Acquired Receivable, Fair Value		1,491,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets		40,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Lease Right-of-Use Assets		3,209,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets		4,942,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		38,763,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets		43,705,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities		8,466,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other		5,030,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilies Assumed, Operating Lease		3,209,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities		16,705,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets		27,000,000
FSA [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		900,000
FSA [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		17,900,000
FSA [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles		19,963,000
OST [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid							$ 12,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets							10,371,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Lease Right-of-Use Assets							1,672,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets							12,043,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles							8,600,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets							20,643,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilies Assumed, Operating Lease							1,672,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finance Lease							6,971,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities							8,643,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets							12,000,000
OST [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			3 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill							850,000
OST [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			10 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill							5,700,000
OST [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles							$ 2,050,000
Linn Star [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Cash acquired from acquisition	$ 1,308,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,182,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets	605,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Lease Right-of-Use Assets	10,011,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets	13,106,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	55,484,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets	68,590,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	1,340,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilies Assumed, Operating Lease	10,011,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	11,351,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets	57,239,000
Linn Star [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			1 year
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	450,000
Linn Star [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	29,800,000
Linn Star [Member] | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	25,234,000
CLW Delivery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Lease Right-of-Use Assets						$ 811,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets						811,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles						5,500,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Assets						6,311,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilies Assumed, Operating Lease						811,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets						5,500,000
CLW Delivery | 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						1,000,000
CLW Delivery | Customer Relationships [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			7 years
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill						1,500,000
CLW Delivery | Goodwill [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles						3,000,000
FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash		26,798,000
Cash acquired from acquisition		$ 202,000
Earn-out acquired, maximum			$ 15,000,000
Earn-out acquired with acquisition			6,865,000	$ 11,770,000
Change in fair value of earn-out			379,000	$ (33,000)
Earn-out paid during current period			$ 5,284,000
Period of years which earnout is calculated		2
Linn Star [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash	55,931,000
Cash acquired from acquisition	$ 1,308,000
CLW Delivery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash						$ 5,500,000
Risk free interest rate [Member] | FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Weighted-average assumptions used			1.40%	2.20%
Revenue discount rate [Member] | FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Weighted-average assumptions used			3.20%	4.40%
Revenue Volatility [Member] | FSA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Weighted-average assumptions used			8.00%	5.00%

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Othe

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | numberOfSegments	2
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	$ 165,839
Accumulated impairment loss	(25,686)
Goodwill, Net	244,982	$ 215,699	$ 193,686
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	29,283	22,013
Expedited Freight
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Net	165,268	137,034	117,071
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	28,234	19,963
Intermodal [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Net	79,714	78,665	$ 76,615
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 1,049	$ 2,050

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Ot_2

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	$ (93,009)	$ (79,520)
Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets	13,489	10,183	$ 8,109
Intangible assets, estimated future amortization [Abstract]
2021	13,464
2022	12,964
2023	12,729
2024	12,604
2025	12,506
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	238,041	204,377
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 145,032	124,857
Maximum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful lives of acquired intangible assets	15 years
Accumulated Amortization	$ 85,930	73,868
Intangible assets, estimated future amortization [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	228,416	196,225
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 142,486	122,357
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful lives of acquired intangible assets	4 years
Accumulated Amortization	$ 5,579	4,152
Intangible assets, estimated future amortization [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	8,125	6,652
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 2,546	2,500
Trade Names [Member]
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful lives of acquired intangible assets	4 years
Accumulated Amortization	$ 1,500	1,500
Intangible assets, estimated future amortization [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 1,500	$ 1,500

Indebtedness (Details)

Indebtedness (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2017USD ($)numberOfSegments
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from senior credit facility	$ 65,000,000	$ 20,000,000	$ 7,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Proceeds from senior credit facility	112,500,000	67,500,000
Utilized for outstanding letters of credit	18,326,000	13,970,000
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity				$ 225,000,000
Available borrowing capacity	$ 94,174,000	$ 68,530,000			$ 150,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	3.25%	3.20%
Credit facility term (in years) | numberOfSegments					5
Senior credit facility amount				250,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity of credit facility				$ 25,000,000
Base reference rate of credit facilities	LIBOR
Basis spread on variable rate minimum (in hundredths)				2.25%	1.25%
Basis spread on variable rate maximum (in hundredths)				2.75%	1.75%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.00%
Line of credit facility, interest rate, minimum	$ 0.0300
Debt instrument, basis spread on alternative variable rate, minimum	0.0025
Debt instrument, basis spread on alternative variable rate, maximum	$ 0.0075
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Sublimit on revolving credit facility					$ 30,000,000
Swing line loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Sublimit on revolving credit facility					$ 30,000,000
Federal funds [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%

Debt and Capital Lease Obligati

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations - Capital Lease (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities	$ 4,580	$ 2,711	$ 1,783

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Inc

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Common and Preferred Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 05, 2019shares	Jul. 21, 2016shares	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2020$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2020$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2020$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2019$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2019$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)numberOfSegments$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	May 31, 2016shares
Preferred Stock [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized			5,000,000				5,000,000								5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock par value per share | $ / shares			$ 0.01				$ 0.01								$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Quarterly cash dividend per share, common stock | $ / shares			$ 0.21	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.18	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Repurchase of Common Stock [Abstract]
Repurchase of common stock (repurchase program) | $															$ 45,248	$ 56,204	$ 66,126
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Additional authorized shares for employee stock awards			965,000												965,000			2,000,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Expected life of options (in years) | numberOfSegments															7
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Option award vesting period															2 years
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Option award vesting period															3 years
2016 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Repurchase of Common Stock [Abstract]
Share repurchase program, authorized shares		3,000,000
2019 Stock Repurchase Plan [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Repurchase of Common Stock [Abstract]
Share repurchase program, authorized shares	5,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares															787,000	913,000
Repurchase of common stock (repurchase program) | $															$ 45,248	$ 56,204
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share | $ / shares															$ 57.53	$ 61.59
Remaining shares authorized under share repurchase program															3,368,000

Shareholders' Equity, Stock I_2

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 11,033	$ 11,715	$ 10,191
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.10%		1.10%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	24.10%		24.40%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.50%		2.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 10 months 24 days		6 years 1 month 6 days
Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	417	512	417
Granted (shares)	36		190
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	(89)	(87)	(95)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	359	417	512
Exercisable at end of year	265	262	213
Weighted Average Outstanding at beginning of year (per share)	$ 53.37	$ 51.49	$ 44.55
Weighted average exercise price for options granted in the period	65.96		61.72
Weighted average exercise price for options exercised in the period	47.72	42.24	41.42
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	55.79	53.37	51.49
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	53.20	$ 50.03	44.66
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year (dollars per share)	$ 14.79		$ 15.82
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 1,568	$ 2,196	$ 1,992
Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding	970
Average aggregate instrinsic value for exercisable options	1,435
Share-based compensation	1,163	1,556	1,521
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	$ 287	$ 392	$ 384
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	5	8
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 784
Weighted average period over which recognized compensation expense will be recognized (years)	1 year 3 months 18 days
Weighted average exercise price for options forfeited in the period	$ 59.73	$ 53.76
Continuing Operations | Non-employee Director Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant	92
Discontinued Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	14	26	22
Granted (shares)			4
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		(12)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	14	14	26
Exercisable at end of year	14	9	17
Weighted Average Outstanding at beginning of year (per share)	$ 52.15	$ 49	$ 47.49
Weighted average exercise price for options granted in the period			58.40
Weighted average exercise price for options exercised in the period		45.46
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	52.15	52.15	49
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	$ 52.15	$ 51.35	47.74
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year (dollars per share)			$ 16
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised		$ 193
Average aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding	$ 54
Average aggregate instrinsic value for exercisable options	54
Share-based compensation	22	41	$ 57
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	$ 6	$ 11	$ 14
Exercise Price Range 43.67 through 44.90 [Member] | Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	59
Exercisable at end of year	59
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 43.70
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	43.70
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	43.67
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 44.90
Weighted average remaining contractual life	2 years 1 month 6 days
Exercise Price Range 47.82 through 48.32 [Member] | Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	68
Exercisable at end of year	68
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 47.86
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	47.86
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	47.82
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 48.32
Weighted average remaining contractual life	3 years 1 month 6 days
Exercise Price Range 50.71 through 53.73 [Member] | Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	26
Exercisable at end of year	26
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 51.31
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	51.31
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	50.71
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 53.73
Weighted average remaining contractual life	1 year 7 months 6 days
Exercise Price Range 57.18 through 60.42 [Member] | Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	70
Exercisable at end of year	45
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 58.73
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	58.64
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	57.18
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 60.42
Weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 1 month 6 days
Exercise Price Range 64.26 through 65.96 [Member] | Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	136
Exercisable at end of year	67
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 64.71
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	64.26
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	64.26
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 65.96
Weighted average remaining contractual life	5 years
Exercise Price Range 43.67 through 65.96 [Member] | Continuing Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	359
Exercisable at end of year	265
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 55.88
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	53.23
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	43.67
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 65.96
Weighted average remaining contractual life	3 years 8 months 12 days
Exercise Price Range 47.82 through 58.40 | Discontinued Operations | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	14
Exercisable at end of year	14
Weighted Average Outstanding at end of year (per share)	$ 52.22
Weighted average exercise price for options exercisable at year end	52.22
Range of exercise price, lower range limit	47.82
Range of exercise price, upper range limit	$ 58.40
Weighted average remaining contractual life	3 years 6 months

Shareholders' Equity, Stock I_3

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Employee Activity Non-vested Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 11,033	$ 11,715	$ 10,191
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member] | Continuing Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	264	302	216
Granted (shares)	116	112	192
Vested (shares)	(150)	(126)	(102)
Forfeited (shares)	(17)	(24)	(4)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	213	264	302
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$ 58.34	$ 54.92	$ 46.73
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	65.88	59.49	59.88
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	57.40	51.50	47.04
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	62.39	56.69	52.01
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$ 62.78	$ 58.34	$ 54.92
Grant date fair value of shares that vested during the year	$ 9,180	$ 7,684	$ 5,758
Share-based compensation	7,310	7,936	6,633
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	1,747	$ 1,951	$ 1,660
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 7,767
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Employee Non-vested Shares [Member] | Discontinued Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	13	13	11
Granted (shares)	6	5	10
Vested (shares)	(10)	(5)	(5)
Forfeited (shares)	(1)	0	(3)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	8	13	13
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$ 54.93	$ 55.16	$ 46.71
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	63.24	59.07	59.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	58.43	48.85	47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	63.49	0	51.68
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$ 60.83	$ 54.93	$ 55.16
Grant date fair value of shares that vested during the year	$ 625	$ 270	$ 282
Share-based compensation	71	65	241
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	71	$ 66	$ 72
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 270
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days

Shareholders' Equity, Stock I_4

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Employee Activity - Performance Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee Activity - Performance Shares [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 11,033,000	$ 11,715,000	$ 10,191,000
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member]
Employee Activity - Performance Shares [Line Items]
Share-based awards, vesting period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	23.50%	23.40%	24.30%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.40%	2.50%	2.20%
Minimum percentage of shares attainable	$ 0
Maximum percentage of shares attainable	$ 2
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member] | Continuing Operations
Employee Activity - Performance Shares [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	58	62	66
Granted (shares)	38	28	17
Additional shares awarded based on performance	13
Vested (shares)	(33)	(22)
Forfeited (shares)	(11)	(10)	(21)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	65	58	62
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$ 62.44	$ 58.40	$ 57.63
Weighted average fair value of performance shares	69.15	61.42	72.30
Stock Issued During Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51.13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51.13	63.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	66.37	62.77	67.28
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$ 67.62	$ 62.44	$ 58.40
Share-based compensation	$ 1,242,000	$ 1,103,000	$ 1,208,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	306,000	$ 278,000	$ 304,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 2,095,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 10 months 24 days
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [Member] | Discontinued Operations
Employee Activity - Performance Shares [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	4	3	3
Granted (shares)	1	2	1
Additional shares awarded based on performance	1
Vested (shares)	(2)	(1)
Forfeited (shares)	(4)		(1)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)		4	3
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$ 62.05	$ 57.90	$ 57.03
Weighted average fair value of performance shares	69.15	61.03	72.30
Stock Issued During Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51.13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	51.13	63.57
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 65.69		67.28
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year		$ 62.05	$ 57.90
Share-based compensation	$ (8,000)	$ 73,000	$ 55,000
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	$ (2,000)	$ 18,000	$ 14,000

Shareholders' Equity Stock Ince

Shareholders' Equity Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 11,033	$ 11,715	$ 10,191
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized under the plan	335,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date	90.00%
Purchase Period for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	6 months
Number Of Large Lump Sum Contributions Related To ESPP Stock Purchases	2
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Continuing Operations
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	14,000	11,000	8,000
Weighted average price of shares purchased (dollars per share)	$ 44.24	$ 51.50	$ 50.62
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 20.99	$ 13.68	$ 6.26
Share-based compensation	$ 292	$ 150	$ 54
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Discontinued Operations
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Common stock issued under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	1	1	1
Weighted average price of shares purchased (dollars per share)	$ 44.35	$ 51.39	$ 50.64
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 18.11	$ 13.48	$ 6.27
Share-based compensation	$ 20	$ 13	$ 5

Shareholders' Equity, Stock I_5

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Non-employee Director Non-vested Shares (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Non-Vested Shares [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$ 11,033	$ 11,715	$ 10,191
Nonemployee Director Nonvested Shares Granted [Member] | Continuing Operations
Non-Vested Shares [Line Items]
Outstanding at beginning of year (shares)	16	15	11
Granted (shares)	24	16	16
Vested (shares)	(16)	(15)	(12)
Outstanding at end of year (shares)	24	16	15
Weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested shares at beginning of year	$ 62.17	$ 58.50	$ 52
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	42.88	62.17	58.58
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	62	64.05	52.09
Weighted average grant date fair value non-vested shares at end of year	$ 42.88	$ 62.17	$ 58.50
Grant date fair value of shares that vested during the year	$ 771	$ 970	$ 615
Share-based compensation	1,026	970	775
Tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense	253	$ 244	$ 195
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 376
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 months 24 days
Non-employee Director Stock Options [Member] | Continuing Operations
Non-Vested Shares [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized under the plan	360
Shares available for grant	92

Shareholders' Equity, Stock I_6

Shareholders' Equity, Stock Incentive Plan and Net Income per Share - Net Income per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations	$ 15,133	$ 16,992	$ 9,225	$ 11,417	$ 22,336	$ 21,054	$ 21,244	$ 17,688	$ 52,767	$ 82,322	$ 88,563
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(19,576)	(345)	(6,071)	(3,042)	1,832	1,141	1,086	719	(29,034)	4,777	3,488
Net income attributable to Forward Air	$ (4,443)	$ 16,647	$ 3,154	$ 8,375	$ 24,168	$ 22,195	$ 22,330	$ 18,407	23,733	87,099	92,051
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic									(385)	(945)	(881)
Numerator for net income and comprehensive income to common shareholders									52,382	81,377	87,682
Numerator for basic and diluted net loss income per share for discontinued operations									$ (29,034)	$ 4,777	$ 3,488
Denominator for basic income per share - weighted-average shares									27,631	28,195	29,076
Denominator for diluted income per share - adjusted weighted-average shares									27,697	28,308	29,190
Continuing operations	$ 0.55	$ 0.61	$ 0.33	$ 0.41	$ 0.79	$ 0.74	$ 0.74	$ 0.61	$ 1.90	$ 2.89	$ 3.02
Discontinued operation	(0.72)	(0.01)	(0.22)	(0.11)	0.07	0.04	0.04	0.03	(1.05)	0.17	0.12
Basic net income per share	(0.17)	0.60	0.11	0.30	0.86	0.78	0.78	0.64	0.84	3.06	3.14
Continuing operations	0.55	0.61	0.33	0.41	0.79	0.74	0.74	0.61	1.89	2.87	3
Discontinued operation	(0.72)	(0.01)	(0.22)	(0.11)	0.07	0.04	0.04	0.03	(1.05)	0.17	0.12
Diluted net income per share	$ (0.17)	$ 0.60	$ 0.11	$ 0.30	$ 0.85	$ 0.78	$ 0.78	$ 0.64	$ 0.84	$ 3.04	$ 3.12
Total number anti-dilutive options and non-vested shares excluded from income per diluted share computation									224	183	151
Equity Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									66	113	114
Total number anti-dilutive options and non-vested shares excluded from income per diluted share computation									206	183	126
Key Employee Performance Share Based Plan [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									15	0	16
Employee Non-vested 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									3	0	9

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%		35.00%
Current: [Abstract]
Federal	$ 11,914	$ 15,612	$ 15,643
State	3,907	4,681	3,635
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	15,821	20,293	19,278
Deferred: [Abstract]
Federal	922	5,766	6,826
State	(150)	1,323	764
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	772	7,089	7,590
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	16,593	27,382	26,868
Income tax provision [Abstract]
Tax expense at the statutory rate	14,566	23,038	24,241
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	2,602	4,594	3,659
Share based compensation	(298)	(587)	(50)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Other, Amount	48	(5)	139
Other permanent differences	751	421	13
Section 162(m) Limitation	(400)
Federal income tax credits	(37)	(83)	(186)
Other	(639)	4	(948)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	16,593	27,382	26,868
Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets [Abstract]
Accrued expenses	12,095	7,245
Allowance for doubtful accounts	577	527
Operating lease obligations	31,309	26,989
Share-based compensation	3,554	3,881
Accruals for income tax contingencies	166	185
Net operating loss carryforwards	671	1,089
Total deferred tax assets	48,372	39,916
Valuation allowance	(395)	(395)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	47,977	39,521
Tax over book depreciation	24,964	23,795
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses	6,499	4,043
Operating lease right-of-use assets	31,277	26,992
Goodwill	17,368	15,337
Intangible assets	9,855	10,568
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	89,963	80,735
Net deferred tax liabilities	(41,986)	(41,214)
Federal net operating loss		2,000	10,258
Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	16,926		18,148
Balance sheet classification of deferred income taxes [Abstract]
Deferred tax liabilites, noncurrent	(41,986)	(41,214)
Income taxes paid	13,463	19,959	20,894
Increase (Decrease) in valuation allowance for state loss carryforwards			35
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	987	1,058
Reductions for settlement with state taxing authorities	(466)	(99)
Additions for tax positions of current year	23	28
Balance at end of year	544	987	$ 1,058
Income tax penalties accrued	$ 168	$ 281

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating lease renewal option, minimum (in years)	1 year
Operating lease renewal option, maximum (in years)	10 years
Operating lease original term, for tractors, trucks and trailers, minimum (in years)	2 years
Operating lease original term, for tractors, trucks and trailers, maximum (in years)	6 years
Finance lease, minimum remaining years in lease term	2 years
Finance lease, maximum remaining years in lease term	7 years
Sublease rental income	$ 1,628	$ 1,634	$ 1,213
Costs incurred for independent owner operators	325,542	328,282	$ 286,571
Expected future sublease rental income	929
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization	1,560	1,019
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability	197	129
Operating Lease, Cost	50,561	44,403
Short-term Lease, Cost	8,921	9,958
Variable Lease, Cost	339,148	339,923
Sublease Income	(1,628)	(1,634)
Lease, Cost	398,759	393,798
Operating Lease, Payments	50,263	44,328
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	1,446	946
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability	1,927	8,188
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	$ 72,454	$ 181,069
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	4 years	4 years 7 months 6 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	3 years 8 months 12 days	3 years 8 months 12 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	3.10%	3.40%
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	3.20%	3.40%
Operating Lease Liabilities, Payments Due [Abstract]
2020	$ 48,748
2021	36,035
2022	26,414
2023	19,140
2024	9,560
Thereafter	9,548
Total minimum lease payments	149,445
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest	(25,419)
Present value of future minimum lease payments	124,026
Less: current portion of lease liabilities	(43,680)	$ (35,886)
Long-term lease liabilities	80,346	$ 69,678
Finance Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract]
2021	1,979
2022	1,775
2023	1,633
2024	1,220
2025	612
Thereafter	5
Total minimum lease payments	7,224
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest	(413)
Present value of future minimum lease payments	6,811
Less: current portion of lease obligations	(1,801)
Long-term lease obligations	$ 5,010
Operating leases, minimum term of future equiment leases	3 years
Operating leases, maximum term of future equiment leases	4 years

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Commitments to purchase trailers, vehicles and forklifts	$ 2,551
Liability insurance coverage	100
Self-insurance retention workers' compensation	500
Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Reserve	7,500
Commitments to purchase trailers, vehicles and forklifts	2,551
Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	6,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	5,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Expedited LTL [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	3,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $2,000 [Member] | Truckload [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	2,000
Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $250 | Intermodal [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additional deductible	250
Minimum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	3,000
Minimum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	5,000
Minimum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Expedited LTL [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	0
Minimum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Intermodal [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	0
Minimum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $2,000 [Member] | Truckload [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	0
Maximum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $3,000 and $5,000 [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	5,000
Maximum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $5,000 and $10,000 [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	10,000
Maximum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Expedited LTL [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	3,000
Maximum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $3,000 | Intermodal [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	250
Maximum [Member] | Aggregate deductible for claims between $0 and $2,000 [Member] | Truckload [Member]
Self-insurance retention liability additonal deductible applicable range	$ 2,000

Employee Benefit Plan (Details)

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan, employer match percentage	25.00%
Defined contribution plan, maximum employee contribution matched by employer	6.00%
Defined Contribution Plan Minimum Years of Service Before Vesting Of Employer Contributions	2 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	$ 1,683	$ 1,554	$ 1,311

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	$ 6,865	$ 11,770
Total minimum lease payments	7,224
Discontinued Operations
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Impairment charge	5,406
Non-cash valuation allowance	22,978	0
Estimated fair value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total minimum lease payments	7,009	6,318
Carrying value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Total minimum lease payments	$ 6,811	$ 6,330

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)numberOfSegments	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of principal reporting segments | numberOfSegments									2	3
Number of Reportable Segments | numberOfSegments									2
External revenues	$ 350,341	$ 331,997	$ 281,678	$ 305,557	$ 319,656	$ 313,683	$ 302,887	$ 278,961	$ 1,269,573	$ 1,215,187	$ 1,137,613
Depreciation and amortization									37,125	36,394	35,831
Amortization of Intangible Assets									13,489	10,183	8,109
Share-based Compensation									11,033	11,715	10,191
Interest expense									4,561	2,711	1,783
Operating Income (Loss)									73,924	112,416	117,216
Total assets	1,047,393				990,878				1,047,393	990,878
Expedited Freight Revenue									1,072,301	1,000,934	941,967
Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues									1,269,673	1,215,483	1,138,039
Revenue from Related Parties									(100)	(296)	(426)
Depreciation									23,637	26,211	27,722
Amortization of Intangible Assets									13,488	10,183	8,109
Operating Income (Loss)									73,924	112,416	117,216
Total assets	973,294				899,222				973,294	899,222	712,310
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									20,268	22,007	39,564
Expedited Freight
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues									1,070,106	997,877	937,289
Revenue from Related Parties									2,195	3,057	4,678
Depreciation									19,824	23,087	25,707
Amortization of Intangible Assets									7,203	4,335	3,499
Operating Income (Loss)									71,266	103,640	103,652
Total assets	905,081				717,555				905,081	717,555	555,501
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									19,820	21,290	38,710
Intermodal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
External revenues									199,567	217,606	200,750
Revenue from Related Parties									36	105	256
Depreciation									3,693	3,086	1,719
Amortization of Intangible Assets									6,285	5,848	4,610
Operating Income (Loss)									16,391	23,679	23,266
Total assets	221,963				206,576				221,963	206,576	167,002
Additions to Other Assets, Amount									448	717	854
Business Intersegment, Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties									(2,331)	(3,458)	(5,360)
Depreciation									120	38	296
Operating Income (Loss)									(13,733)	(14,903)	(9,702)
Total assets	$ (153,750)				$ (24,909)				(153,750)	(24,909)	(10,193)
Network revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight Revenue									625,517	675,312	677,416
Truckload revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight Revenue									194,058	196,855	196,980
Final Mile revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight Revenue									224,475	100,555	39,400
Other revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expedited Freight Revenue									$ 28,251	$ 28,212	$ 28,171

Quarterly Results of Operatio_3

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating revenue	$ 350,341	$ 331,997	$ 281,678	$ 305,557	$ 319,656	$ 313,683	$ 302,887	$ 278,961	$ 1,269,573	$ 1,215,187	$ 1,137,613
Net income and comprehensive income from continuing operations	15,133	16,992	9,225	11,417	22,336	21,054	21,244	17,688	52,767	82,322	88,563
Income from operations									73,924	112,416	117,216
(Loss) income from discontinued operation, net of tax	(19,576)	(345)	(6,071)	(3,042)	1,832	1,141	1,086	719	(29,034)	4,777	3,488
Net income from continuing operations	$ (4,443)	$ 16,647	$ 3,154	$ 8,375	$ 24,168	$ 22,195	$ 22,330	$ 18,407	$ 23,733	$ 87,099	$ 92,051
Net income per share:
Net income per share	$ (0.17)	$ 0.60	$ 0.11	$ 0.30	$ 0.86	$ 0.78	$ 0.78	$ 0.64	$ 0.84	$ 3.06	$ 3.14
Diluted	(0.17)	0.60	0.11	0.30	0.85	0.78	0.78	0.64	0.84	3.04	3.12
Continuing operations	0.55	0.61	0.33	0.41	0.79	0.74	0.74	0.61	1.90	2.89	3.02
Discontinued operation	(0.72)	(0.01)	(0.22)	(0.11)	0.07	0.04	0.04	0.03	(1.05)	0.17	0.12
Continuing operations	0.55	0.61	0.33	0.41	0.79	0.74	0.74	0.61	1.89	2.87	3
Discontinued operation	$ (0.72)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.22)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.07	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.03	$ (1.05)	$ 0.17	$ 0.12

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 12, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 05, 2021	Jan. 12, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Operating revenue		$ 350,341	$ 331,997	$ 281,678	$ 305,557	$ 319,656	$ 313,683	$ 302,887	$ 278,961	$ 1,269,573	$ 1,215,187	$ 1,137,613
Operating Income (Loss)										$ 73,924	$ 112,416	$ 117,216
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash													$ 15,000
Earn-out acquired, maximum													$ 2,000
Cash from sale of Pool	$ 8,000
Earn-out from sale of Pool	12,000
Total consideration received for sell of Pool business	$ 20,000
Linn Star [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net of cash														$ 55,931

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount		$ 2,668	$ 2,448		$ 2,440		$ 3,351
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		567	752		157
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction		5,098	4,083		4,692
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount		1,268	1,316		1,290		2,540
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		567	752		122
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction	[1]	615	726		1,372
Allowance for revenue adjustments [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount		1,005	737	[2]	755	[2]	451	[2]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Other Account		4,751	3,339		3,624
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction	[3]	4,483	3,357		3,320
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount		395	395		395		$ 360
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense		$ 0	$ 0		$ 35
[1]	Represents uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
[2]	Represents an allowance for revenue adjustments to accounts receivable resulting from future billing rate changes.
[3]	Represents adjustments to billed accounts receivable