| Cover Page | Mar. 15, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 15, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FORWARD AIR CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TN |
| Entity File Number | 000-22490 |
| 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | true |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | FWRD |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000912728 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
