Quality Distribution (QLTY) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'QLTY	'
Entity Registrant Name	'QUALITY DISTRIBUTION INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000922863	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	26,926,691

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	$171,899	$160,079	$510,540		$443,804
Service revenue	32,169	31,550	98,328		89,569
Fuel surcharge	31,603	30,449	95,521		93,353
Total operating revenues	235,671	222,078	704,389		626,726
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Purchased transportation	153,153	143,036	446,405		417,222
Compensation	24,431	22,522	76,402		57,669
Fuel, supplies and maintenance	26,212	24,085	79,558		56,996
Depreciation and amortization	6,318	6,039	19,740		14,452
Selling and administrative	8,331	8,258	23,965		24,857
Insurance costs	4,607	4,374	13,477		11,732
Taxes and licenses	1,086	807	3,337		2,179
Communication and utilities	930	980	2,947		2,724
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-1,014	360	-2,512		-4
Impairment charges	'	'	55,692	[1]	'
Total operating expenses	224,054	210,461	719,011		587,827
Operating (loss) income	11,617	11,617	-14,622		38,899
Interest expense	8,169	7,673	23,776		22,042
Interest income	-214	-194	-659		-602
Write-off of debt issuance costs	521	'	521		'
Other income, net	-102	-112	-7,345		-276
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,243	4,250	-30,915		17,735
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	480	-4,613	-11,675		-26,632
Net (loss) income	$2,763	$8,863	($19,240)		$44,367
Net income (loss) per common share	'	'	'		'
Basic	$0.10	$0.32	($0.73)		$1.69
Diluted	$0.10	$0.32	($0.73)		$1.64
Weighted-average number of shares	'	'	'		'
Basic	26,463	27,368	26,516		26,243
Diluted	27,146	28,089	26,516		27,057
[1]	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$2,763	$8,863	($19,240)	$44,367
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service costs and losses	386	388	1,159	1,164
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-37	-71	54	-65
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	349	317	1,213	1,099
Comprehensive income (loss)	$3,112	$9,180	($18,027)	$45,466

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,262	$2,704
Accounts receivable, net	130,099	113,906
Prepaid expenses	12,830	14,651
Deferred tax asset, net	20,944	16,609
Other	10,762	9,694
Total current assets	177,897	157,564
Property and equipment, net	170,083	190,342
Assets held-for-sale	1,848	'
Goodwill	50,553	104,294
Intangibles, net	35,050	37,654
Non-current deferred tax asset, net	20,412	11,713
Other assets	9,209	12,036
Total assets	465,052	513,603
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of indebtedness	7,224	3,918
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	1,618	3,913
Accounts payable	9,821	9,966
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable	18,723	14,243
Accrued expenses	35,909	37,889
Environmental liabilities	4,327	2,739
Accrued loss and damage claims	7,960	7,326
Total current liabilities	85,582	79,994
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities	379,569	408,850
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	626	2,125
Environmental liabilities	4,675	6,302
Accrued loss and damage claims	10,143	9,494
Other non-current liabilities	22,595	25,278
Total liabilities	503,190	532,043
Commitments and contingencies-Note 15	'	'
SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT	'	'
Common stock, no par value; 49,000 shares authorized; 28,468 issued and 26,927 outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 28,102 issued and 27,223 outstanding at December 31, 2012	440,001	437,192
Treasury stock, 1,541 shares at September 30, 2013 and 879 shares at December 31, 2012	-10,329	-5,849
Accumulated deficit	-247,707	-228,467
Stock recapitalization	-189,589	-189,589
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-30,539	-31,752
Stock purchase warrants	25	25
Total shareholders' deficit	-38,138	-18,440
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit	$465,052	$513,603

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Common stock, par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	49,000	49,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,468	28,102
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,927	27,223
Treasury stock, shares	1,541	879

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit (USD $)	Total	Shares of Common Stock	Shares of Treasury Stock	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Stock Recapitalization	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Stock Purchase Warrants
In Thousands	USD ($)			USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($106,185)	'	'	$393,859	($1,878)	($278,543)	($189,589)	($31,381)	$1,347
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	24,207	-267	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	44,367	'	'	'	'	44,367	'	'	'
Issuance of restricted stock	'	182	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of restricted stock (shares)	'	'	-5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of restricted stock	-66	'	'	'	-66	'	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	1,058	'	'	1,058	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of stock options	1,316	'	'	1,316	'	'	'	'	'
Stock warrant exercises (in shares)	'	346	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock warrant exercises	'	'	'	1,322	'	'	'	'	-1,322
Stock option exercises (in shares)	'	47	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option exercises	254	'	'	254	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs (in shares)	'	2,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs	30,493	'	'	30,493	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock for acquisitions (in shares)	'	785	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock for acquisitions	7,920	'	'	7,920	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service costs and losses (pension plans), net of tax	1,164	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,164	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-65	'	'	'	'	'	'	-65	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	-19,744	'	'	436,222	-1,944	-234,176	-189,589	-30,282	25
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2012	'	28,067	-272	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	-18,440	'	'	437,192	-5,849	-228,467	-189,589	-31,752	25
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	28,102	-879	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	-19,240	'	'	'	'	-19,240	'	'	'
Issuance of restricted stock	'	257	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of restricted stock (shares)	'	'	-45	'	'	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture of restricted stock	-26	'	'	'	-26	'	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	1,277	'	'	1,277	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of stock options	1,221	'	'	1,221	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option exercises (in shares)	'	109	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option exercises	311	'	'	311	'	'	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock (shares)	'	'	-617	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-4,454	'	'	'	-4,454	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service costs and losses (pension plans), net of tax	1,159	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,159	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	54	'	'	'	'	'	'	54	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	($38,138)	'	'	$440,001	($10,329)	($247,707)	($189,589)	($30,539)	$25
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'	28,468	-1,541	'	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Net (loss) income	($19,240)		$44,367
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by operating activities:	'		'
Deferred income tax expense	-12,314		'
Depreciation and amortization	19,740		14,452
Bad debt (recoveries) expense	-496		141
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	-2,512		-4
Impairment charge	55,692	[1]	'
Write-off of deferred financing costs	420		'
Write-off of bond discount	101		'
Stock-based compensation	2,489		2,374
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,808		1,571
Amortization of bond discount	158		162
Release of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-720		-27,420
Contingent consideration adjustment	-7,800		'
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'		'
Accounts and other receivables	-13,633		-34,721
Prepaid expenses	4,691		504
Other assets	209		-6,135
Accounts payable	432		3,554
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable	4,480		8,806
Accrued expenses	5,568		6,685
Environmental liabilities	-39		-848
Accrued loss and damage claims	1,283		-2,599
Other liabilities	-1,074		-1,374
Current income taxes	108		-946
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities	39,351		8,569
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Capital expenditures	-19,156		-27,423
Acquisition of customer list	-1,000		'
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	17,981		7,453
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities	-3,032		-115,190
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	17,500		'
Principal payments on long-term debt	-26,056		-3,436
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-1,407		-2,899
Proceeds from revolver	163,600		179,400
Payments on revolver	-183,300		-99,200
Payments on acquisition notes	-443		-446
Deferred financing costs	-935		-846
Change in book overdraft	-577		2,176
Purchases of treasury stock	-4,454		'
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs	'		30,493
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	311		254
Net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by financing activities	-35,761		105,496
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	558		-1,125
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,704		4,053
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,262		2,928
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash paid during the period for:	'		'
Interest	17,171		14,559
Income Taxes	824		1,423
Greensville	'		'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Purchase price adjustment	'		-66
Trojan	'		'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Purchase price adjustment	-857		'
Acquisition of business	'		-8,657
Bice	'		'
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by operating activities:	'		'
Impairment charge	55,700		'
Release of deferred tax asset valuation allowance	'		-27,700
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Acquisition of business	'		-52,176
Dunn's	'		'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'		'
Acquisition of business	'		($34,321)
[1]	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	In this quarterly report, unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, (i) the terms the “Company,” “our Company,” “Quality Distribution,” “QDI,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Quality Distribution, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and their predecessors, (ii) the terms “Quality Distribution, LLC” and “QD LLC” refer to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Quality Distribution, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its consolidated subsidiaries and their predecessors, (iii) the term “QD Capital” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, QD Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, (iv) the term “QCI” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Quality Carriers, Inc., an Illinois corporation, (v) the term “Boasso” refers collectively to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Boasso America Corporation, a Louisiana corporation, and Boasso’s former wholly-owned subsidiary, Greensville Transport Company (“Greensville”), a Virginia corporation which has since been merged with and into Boasso America Corporation, (vi) the term “QCER” refers collectively to our wholly-owned subsidiary QC Energy Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, QC Energy Logistics, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, QC Energy Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, QC Energy Resources Northwest, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and QC Energy Resources Texas, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as well as our wholly-owned subsidiary QC Environmental Services, Inc., a North Dakota corporation, and (vii) the term “CLC” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Chemical Leaman Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation.
	We are engaged primarily in transportation of bulk chemicals in North America through QCI. We are the largest provider of intermodal ISO tank container and depot services in North America through Boasso. In 2011, we entered the unconventional gas and oil frac shale energy markets, providing logistics services to these markets through QCER. We conduct a significant portion of our business through a network of independent affiliates and independent owner-operators. Independent affiliates are companies which enter into various term contracts with the Company. Independent affiliates are responsible for paying for their own power equipment (including debt service), fuel and other operating costs. Most of the independent affiliates lease trailers from us. Independent owner-operators are independent contractors who, through a contract with us, supply one or more tractors and drivers for our use. Contracts with independent owner-operators may be terminated by either party on short notice. We charge independent affiliates and third parties for the use of tractors and trailers as necessary. In exchange for the services rendered, independent affiliates and independent owner-operators are normally paid a percentage of the revenues collected on each load hauled.
	Our accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) considered necessary for a fair statement of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included. The year ended December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from our audited financial statements, but does not include all the disclosures required by GAAP. For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
	Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting pronouncement related to income taxes. Under this standard, entities are required to recognize that an unrecognized tax benefit be presented in the consolidated financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except as follows: To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the consolidated financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement related to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Under this standard, entities are required to disclose additional information with respect to changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. Expanded disclosures for presentation of changes in AOCI involve disaggregating the total change of each component of other comprehensive income as well as presenting separately for each such component the portion of the change in AOCI related to (1) amounts reclassified into income and (2) current-period other comprehensive income. The disclosures required with respect to income statement line item impacts would be made in either the notes to the consolidated financial statements or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement related to intangibles—goodwill and other, which permits companies to first consider qualitative factors as a basis for assessing impairment and determining the necessity of a detailed impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets. The provisions for this pronouncement are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	Acquisition and Dispositions
	During the first nine months of 2013, we did not complete any acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or independent affiliates.
	Acquisition of an Independent Affiliate
	During the third quarter of 2012, we terminated our business relationship with an independent affiliate due to financial and operational difficulties. On October 17, 2012, we acquired the business, certain operating assets and certain liabilities of this independent affiliate for a purchase price of $17.1 million, paid in cash at closing. Of the total $17.1 million, we allocated $15.5 million to property and equipment and $1.6 million to goodwill. The entire amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. This independent affiliate operated eight terminals within the chemical logistics segment and one terminal within the energy logistics segment. Four chemical logistics terminals were immediately transitioned to other independent affiliates and the remaining terminals were initially transitioned to company operations. As of September 30, 2013, the four company-operated terminals were transitioned to independent affiliates. During this transition, operating results for the third and fourth quarters of 2012 were adversely impacted in aggregate by $4.4 million of greater than expected operating costs and reduced profitability. During the first nine months of 2013, we recognized $0.4 million of additional transition costs.
	Dunn’s Tank Service and Nassau Disposal, Inc.
	On August 1, 2012, we acquired certain operating assets of Dunn’s Tank Service, Inc. and the operating assets and rights of Nassau Disposal, Inc. (collectively “Dunn’s”), for an aggregate purchase price of $34.3 million paid in cash to expand our energy logistics business. An additional $3.6 million in cash consideration was payable one year after the closing date if certain future operating and financial performance criteria were satisfied. These criteria were not met. Of the total $34.3 million, we allocated $12.2 million to property and equipment, $17.3 million to goodwill and $4.8 million to intangibles. The entire amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Dunn’s provides transportation services to the unconventional oil and gas industry primarily within the Woodford shale region, primarily providing various services for oil drilling preparation and hauling flowback and production water for various energy customers. The results of Dunn’s have been included in our results since the date of acquisition, and are included in our energy logistics segment.
	Wylie Bice Trucking, LLC and RM Resources, LLC
	On June 1, 2012, we acquired certain operating assets of Wylie Bice Trucking, LLC and the operating assets and rights of RM Resources, LLC, (collectively “Bice”), for $81.4 million aggregate consideration to expand our energy logistics business. Bice provides transportation services to the unconventional oil and gas frac shale industry within the Bakken shale region, primarily hauling fresh water, flowback and production water, and oil for numerous energy and other customers. The flowback and production water Bice hauls is primarily disposed of utilizing six salt water injection wells we purchased from Bice. The results of the Bice acquisition have been included in our results since the date of acquisition, and are included in our energy logistics segment.
	The Bice transaction was structured as two separate asset acquisitions with aggregate consideration paid to the sellers as follows: (i) $52.2 million in cash; (ii) $21.3 million in 5-year subordinated seller notes bearing interest annually at a 5.0% fixed rate; and (iii) $7.9 million of approximately 0.7 million shares of Quality common stock. Up to an additional $19.0 million was payable in cash one year after the closing date, contingent upon the collective businesses meeting certain future operating and financial performance criteria. These criteria were not met. The purchase price of the combined acquisitions has been allocated to the assets acquired according to their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisitions as follows:
	(In thousands)		Bice & RM
			Combined
	Equipment		$	26,557
	Non-compete agreements			400
	Tradename (a)			700
	Customer-related intangibles			12,320
	Goodwill (a)			48,218
	Contingent consideration (b)			(6,800	)
			$	81,395
	(a)	In the second quarter of 2013, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an impairment charge against a portion of the goodwill and wrote off the remaining unamortized balance of the acquired tradenames. Refer to Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for additional disclosure.
	(b)	In the first quarter of 2013, it was determined that the contingent consideration would not be paid. Therefore, the Company wrote off $6.8 million of contingent consideration which is recognized in our energy logistics results as a gain in “Other (income) expense net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The non-compete agreements are amortized over an estimated six-year useful life on a straight-line basis. The customer-related intangible assets relate to acquired customer relationships and are amortized over an estimated ten-year useful life on a straight-line basis. Goodwill has been recorded because the consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the assets acquired. The goodwill acquired in these acquisitions is tax deductible.
	Unaudited Pro forma Results. Businesses acquired are included in our consolidated results from the date of each acquisition. Unaudited pro forma results displayed below only represent the Bice acquisition, as our other acquisitions in 2012 did not meet the threshold for pro forma reporting. We did not consummate any business acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results are presented to show our results, on a pro forma basis, as if the 2012 acquisition of Bice had been completed as of January 1, 2012:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013			2012
			As reported			As reported		As reported			Pro forma
	Operating revenues		$	235,671		$	222,078	$	704,389		$	674,763
	Net income (loss) (a)(b)(c)			2,763			8,863		(19,240	)		46,795
	Income (loss) per common share—basic		$	0.1		$	0.32	$	(0.73	)	$	1.78
	Income (loss) per common share—diluted		$	0.1		$	0.32	$	(0.73	)	$	1.73
	(a)	Includes impairment charges of $55.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(b)	Includes release of $4.9 million of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the three months ended September 30, 2012.
	(c)	Includes release of $27.7 million in the aggregate of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Trojan Vacuum Services
	On April 1, 2012, we acquired certain operating assets of Trojan Vacuum Services (“Trojan”) to expand our energy logistics business. The purchase price was $8.7 million paid in cash at closing, plus $1.0 million payable in cash upon the satisfaction of certain operating and financial performance criteria. These criteria were satisfied and the full $1.0 million was paid in January 2013. Of the total $8.7 million, we allocated $4.1 million to property and equipment, $4.3 million to intangibles and $0.3 million to goodwill. The entire amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Trojan provides transportation service to the unconventional oil and gas frac shale industry within the Eagle Ford shale region, primarily hauling flowback and production water for various energy customers. The results of the Trojan acquisition have been included in our results since the date of acquisition and are included in our energy logistics segment.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities	'
	2. Variable Interest Entities
	At September 30, 2013, we have a variable interest in one variable interest entity (“VIE”), for which we are not the primary beneficiary. We have concluded, based on our qualitative consideration of our contracts with the VIE, the operating structure of the VIE and our role with the VIE, that we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance. Therefore, we are not required to consolidate the operations of this VIE.
	This VIE is an independent affiliate that is directly engaged in the dry bulk and chemical business through the management of trucking terminals in the North East region of the U.S. As such, this business is highly seasonal. We are involved with this VIE as a non-controlling interest. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with this unconsolidated VIE is limited to our recorded loans receivable which aggregated approximately $3.0 million at September 30, 2013. These loans are secured by a second-priority lien on certain assets of the VIE.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements is based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
		•		Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
		•		Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and
		•		Level 3—Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable.
	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies we used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
	Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
	The fair value of our long-term indebtedness is based on level 2 quoted market prices. As of September 30, 2013, the carrying value and fair value are as follows (in thousands):
			Carrying		Fair Value
			Value
	9.875% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (“2018 Notes”)		$	202,500	$	220,725
	The revolving credit facility and term loan under our asset-based loan facility (the “ABL Facility”) is variable rate debt which is believed to be a reasonable approximation of its fair value that is determined using a coupon rate on borrowings with similar maturities, current remaining average life to maturity, borrower credit quality, and current market conditions and approximates fair value. The fair value of the 2018 Notes is estimated using various techniques including recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, fundamental data relating to the issuer, and credit default swap spreads adjusted for any basis difference between cash and derivative instruments.
	The carrying amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturities of these financial instruments.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	Under the FASB guidance, goodwill and intangible assets are subject to an annual impairment test as well as impairment assessments of certain triggering events. We evaluate goodwill for impairment by determining the fair value based on criteria in the FASB guidance for each reporting unit. These reporting units contain goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets as a result of previous business acquisitions. Our annual impairment test is performed during the second quarter with a measurement date of June 30th. The methodology applied in the analysis performed at June 30, 2013 was consistent with the methodology applied in prior years, but was based on updated assumptions and information, as appropriate. For our chemical logistics segment, we conducted our analysis under the revised goodwill impairment rules in which we assess qualitative factors like market capitalization and financial performance to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Based on this analysis, we concluded there were no indicators of impairment related to our chemical logistics segment. For our energy logistics and intermodal segments, we did not elect the qualitative approach and performed the two-step goodwill analysis approach. Under this approach, goodwill impairment testing is a two-step process. Step 1 involves comparing the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their carrying amounts. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, there is no requirement to perform Step 2 of the impairment test, and there is no impairment. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than the fair value, the second step must be completed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. Step 2 calculates the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible assets, excluding goodwill, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit as determined in Step 1. The implied fair value of goodwill determined in this step is compared to the carrying value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference. As a result of our analysis, we concluded an impairment charge to goodwill of $55.2 million was necessary at June 30, 2013 related to our energy logistics segment, and we concluded there were no indicators of impairment, as the fair value exceeded the carrying value, related to our intermodal segment. We continue to evaluate indicators of impairment quarterly in accordance with FASB guidance following our annual impairment test at June 30, 2013 through the quarter ended September 30, 2013. There were no indicators that a triggering event had occurred as of September 30, 2013.
	Goodwill within the energy logistics, intermodal and chemical logistics segments is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,		Purchase Price		Impairment			September 30,
		2012		Adjustment					2013
	Energy Logistics	$	71,339	$	1,430	$	(55,171	)	$	17,598
	Intermodal		31,410		—		—			31,410
	Chemical Logistics		1,545		—		—			1,545
	Total	$	104,294	$	1,430	$	(55,171	)	$	50,553
	Intangible Assets
	Long-lived assets held and used, including revenue earning equipment, operating property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives, are tested for recoverability when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to management’s best estimate of the undiscounted future operating cash flows (excluding interest charges) expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If these comparisons indicate that the asset or asset group is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized at the amount by which the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined by quoted market price, if available, or an estimate of projected future operating cash flows, discounted using a rate that reflects the related operating segment’s average cost of funds. Long-lived assets to be disposed of including revenue earning equipment, operating property and equipment and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Based upon management’s review of the value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets in our energy logistics segment, we determined that the carrying value of the acquired tradenames exceeded their implied fair value by approximately $0.5 million based on our accelerated transition to the QCER tradename. Based upon management’s review of the value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets in our chemical logistics segment and intermodal segment, we determined that no indicators of impairment exist.
	Intangible assets at September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Gross Book		2013		Impairment			Accumulated			Net Book		Average
		Value		Additions					Amortization			Value		Lives
														(in years)
	Tradename—Intermodal	$	7,400	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	7,400	Indefinite
	Tradename—Energy Logistics		1,100		—		(521	)		(579	)		—	—
	Customer relationships		33,410		1,000		—			(8,660	)		25,750	12-Oct
	Non-compete agreements		4,311		—		—			(3,378	)		933	6-Mar
	Service agreement		1,120		—		—			(153	)		967	11
		$	47,341	$	1,000	$	(521	)	$	(12,770	)	$	35,050
	Of the total intangibles of approximately $35.1 million at September 30, 2013, approximately $19.4 million was allocated to our energy logistics segment, approximately $15.6 million was allocated to our intermodal segment and approximately $0.1 million was allocated to our chemical logistics segment.
	Intangible assets at December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Gross Book		2012		Accumulated			Net Book			Average
		Value		Additions		Amortization			Value			Lives
												(in years)
	Tradename—Intermodal	$	7,400	$	—	$	—		$	7,400		Indefinite
	Tradename—Energy Logistics		—		1,100		(304	)		796		2
	Customer relationships		14,260		19,150		(6,292	)		27,118		12-Oct
	Non-compete agreements		3,221		1,090		(3,015	)		1,296		6-Mar
	Service agreement		—		1,120		(76	)		1,044		11
		$	24,881	$	22,460	$	(9,687	)	$	37,654
	Of the total intangibles of approximately $37.7 million at December 31, 2012, approximately $20.9 million was allocated to our energy logistics segment, approximately $16.6 million was allocated to our intermodal segment and approximately $0.2 million was allocated to our chemical logistics segment.
	Amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	2013 remaining	$	894
	2014		3,534
	2015		3,534
	2016		3,530
	2017		3,454
	2018 and thereafter		12,704
	Total	$	27,650

Longterm_Indebtedness

Long-term Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Indebtedness	'
	5. Long-term Indebtedness
	Term Loan Facility
	On June 14, 2013, our asset-based loan facility (“ABL Facility”) was amended to provide for a new $17.5 million senior secured term loan facility which was fully funded on July 15, 2013. Borrowings under the Term Loan bear interest at a margin equal to 2.50% for base rate borrowings and 3.50% for LIBOR borrowings, with a potential step-down of 0.25% after 18 months if a senior secured leverage ratio is met. Obligations under the Term Loan mature on the earlier of June 14, 2016 or the date on which the ABL Facility terminates. Beginning no earlier than the 12-month anniversary of the Term Loan and no later than the 24-month anniversary of the Term Loan, we will be subject to mandatory repayment of the principal amount of the Term Loan in equal quarterly payments for the remainder of the maturity period. Borrowing availability under our ABL Facility was expanded to include additional eligible accounts receivable and tractor and trailer equipment in conjunction with the new borrowing. We may voluntarily repay the outstanding amount under the Term Loan at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to the LIBOR loans. As of September 30, 2013, the balance of the Term Loan was $17.5 million. The interest rate on borrowings under the Term Loan at September 30, 2013 was 3.7%. We recorded $0.5 million in debt issuance costs relating to the Term Loan and are amortizing these costs over the term of the Term Loan.
	July 2013 Notes Redemption
	On July 15, 2013, we redeemed a portion of our 9.875% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (“2018 Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $22.5 million. The redemption price for these 2018 Notes equaled 100% of the aggregate principal amount of $22.5 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest up to the redemption date, plus a 3.0% premium of $0.7 million. The redemption was funded with proceeds from the Term Loan described above together with borrowings under our ABL Facility. As of September 30, 2013, the balance of the 2018 Notes was $202.5 million. In the third quarter of 2013, $0.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to this redemption were written off.

Income_Loss_Per_Share

Income (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	6. Income (Loss) Per Share
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted income (loss) per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended
		September 30, 2013								September 30, 2012
		Net income			Shares		Per-share			Net income		Shares		Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)		amount			(numerator)		(denominator)		amount
	Basic income available to common shareholders:	$	2,763			26,463	$	0.1		$	8,863		27,368	$	0.32
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			517		—			—		556		—
	Unvested restricted stock		—			157		—			—		156		—
	Stock warrants		—			9		—			—		9		—
	Diluted income available to common shareholders:	$	2,763			27,146	$	0.10		$	8,863		28,089	$	0.32
		Nine months ended
		September 30, 2013								September 30, 2012
		Net loss			Shares		Per-share			Net income		Shares		Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)		amount			(numerator)		(denominator)		amount
	Basic (loss) income available to common shareholders:	$	(19,240	)		26,516	$	(0.73	)	$	44,367		26,243	$	1.69
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			—		—			—		628		—
	Unvested restricted stock		—			—		—			—		172		—
	Stock warrants		—			—		—			—		14		—
	Diluted (loss) income available to common shareholders:	$	(19,240	)		26,516	$	(0.73	)	$	44,367		27,057	$	1.64
	The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share because such inclusion would be anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Stock options		1,914			1,808		1,970			1,737
	Unvested restricted shares and stock units		282			268		327			253

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	7. Stock-Based Compensation
	We apply the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of share-based payments to employees. The resulting compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term of two to four years.
	Compensation expense is recognized only for those awards expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on our historical experience and future expectations. All stock-based compensation expense is classified within compensation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The following table summarizes unrecognized stock-based compensation and the weighted average period over which such stock-based compensation is expected to be recognized as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
				Remaining
				years
	Stock options	$	2,285		2.5
	Restricted stock		1,913		2.6
		$	4,198
	These amounts do not include the cost of any additional awards that may be granted in future periods nor any changes in our forfeiture rate.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	8. Employee Benefit Plans
	We maintain two noncontributory defined benefit plans resulting from a prior acquisition that cover certain vested salaried participants and retirees (“CLC Plan”) and certain other vested participants and retirees under an expired collective bargaining agreement (“TTWU Plan”). Retirement benefits for employees covered by the CLC Plan are based on years of service and compensation levels. The monthly benefit for employees under the TTWU Plan is based on years of service multiplied by a monthly benefit factor. Pension costs are funded in accordance with the provisions of the applicable law. Both pension plans have been frozen since prior to January 1, 1998. There have been no new participants and no future accruals of benefits from the time the plans were frozen.
	We use a December 31st measurement date for both of our plans.
	The components of net periodic pension cost are estimated as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	41		$	44		$	124		$	132
	Interest cost		463			542			1,390			1,626
	Amortization of prior service cost		24			23			71			70
	Amortization of loss		362			365			1,088			1,094
	Expected return on plan assets		(584	)		(565	)		(1,753	)		(1,696	)
	Net periodic pension cost	$	306		$	409		$	920		$	1,226
	We contributed $2.3 million to our pension plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. We expect to contribute an additional $0.6 million during the remainder of 2013.
	Multi-employer pension plans
	At September 30, 2013, we contributed to three separate multi-employer pension plans for employees under collective bargaining agreements. These agreements cover approximately 2.5% of our total workforce, including our independent affiliates’ employees and independent owner-operators providing service to us. These multi-employer pension plans provide defined benefits to retired participants. We do not directly or indirectly manage any of these multi-employer pension plans. Trustees, half of whom are appointed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (the “Teamsters”) and half of whom various contributing employers appoint, manage the trusts covering these plans. Our collective bargaining agreements with the Teamsters determine the amounts of our ongoing contributions to these plans.
	We do not currently intend to withdraw from the three multi-employer pension plans or take any actions that would subject us to payment of contingent obligations upon withdrawal from such plans. Based on information provided to us from the trustees of these plans, we estimate our portion of the contingent liability in the case of a full withdrawal or termination from these plans to be approximately $84.8 million, of which $79.8 million relates to the Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan.
	These defined benefit plans cover substantially all of our union employees not covered under the TTWU Plan. The actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits and net assets available for benefits to employees under these multi-employer plans is not readily available.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The components and changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation
	Beginning balance	$	(1,089	)	$	(1,131	)	$	(1,180	)	$	(1,137	)
	Net gain on foreign currency translation, net of tax		(37	)		(71	)		54			(65	)
	Ending balance	$	(1,126	)	$	(1,202	)	$	(1,126	)	$	(1,202	)
	Pension benefits
	Beginning balance	$	(29,799	)	$	(29,468	)	$	(30,572	)	$	(30,244	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		24			23			71			70
	Amortization of gain		362			365			1,088			1,094
	Ending balance	$	(29,413	)	$	(29,080	)	$	(29,413	)	$	(29,080	)
	Total AOCL ending balance	$	(30,539	)	$	(30,282	)	$	(30,539	)	$	(30,282	)

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring	'
	10. Restructuring
	We account for restructuring costs associated with one-time termination benefits, costs associated with lease and contract terminations and other related exit activities in accordance with FASB’s guidance. We previously made estimates of the costs to be incurred as part of a restructuring plan developed during 2008 and concluded at the end of 2010. The restructuring plan consisted of various actions including termination of approximately 380 non-driver positions and the consolidation, closure or affiliation of underperforming company-operated terminals, our withdrawal from three multi-employer pension plans and costs associated with the consolidation of our corporate headquarters, and resulted in charges during 2008, 2009 and 2010, primarily related to our chemical logistics segment. As of September 30, 2013, we have approximately $1.7 million of restructuring charges included in accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheet which are expected to be paid through 2017.
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had the following activity in our restructuring accrual (in thousands):
		Balance at		Additions		Payments			Reductions			Balance at
		December 31,										September 30,
		2012										2013
	Restructuring costs	$	2,149	$	155	$	(392	)	$	(204	)	$	1,708

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting	'
	11. Segment Reporting
	Reportable Segments
	Our chief operating decision maker manages the Company in three reportable business segments for financial reporting purposes that are distinguished primarily on the basis of services offered:
		•		Chemical Logistics, which consists of the transportation of bulk chemicals primarily through our network of 26 independent affiliates and company-operated terminals, and equipment rental income;
		•		Energy Logistics, which consists primarily of the transportation of fresh water, disposal water, and crude oil for the unconventional oil and gas frac shale energy markets, primarily through company-operated terminals and 3 independent affiliates; and
		•		Intermodal, which consists of Boasso’s intermodal ISO tank container transportation and depot services business primarily supporting the international movement of bulk liquids.
	Segment operating income reported in our segment tables excludes amounts such as depreciation and amortization, gains and losses on disposal of property and equipment, restructuring costs, impairment charges and corporate and other unallocated amounts. Although these amounts are excluded from the reportable business segment operating income results, they are included in our reported Consolidated Statements of Operations. Most corporate and shared services overhead costs, including acquisitions costs, are included in our chemical logistics segment. We have not provided specific asset information by segment, as it is not regularly provided to our chief operating decision maker for review.
	Summarized segment data and a reconciliation to income before income taxes follow (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	112,704		$	40,819		$	18,376		$	171,899
	Service revenue			17,546			2,264			12,359			32,169
	Fuel surcharge			27,049			—			4,554			31,603
	Total operating revenues			157,299			43,083			35,289			235,671
	Segment operating income			8,879			2,432			5,610			16,921
	Depreciation and amortization			2,861			2,603			854			6,318
	Other (income) expense			(2,647	)		1,648			(15	)		(1,014	)
	Operating income (loss)			8,665			(1,819	)		4,771			11,617
	Interest expense			2,577			4,077			1,515			8,169
	Interest income			(214	)		—			—			(214	)
	Other expense, net			226			—			193			419
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	6,076		$	(5,896	)	$	3,063		$	3,243
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	107,773		$	35,144		$	17,162		$	160,079
	Service revenue			17,414			3,043			11,093			31,550
	Fuel surcharge			26,252			299			3,898			30,449
	Total operating revenues			151,439			38,486			32,153			222,078
	Segment operating income			9,718			4,041			4,257			18,016
	Depreciation and amortization			2,795			2,359			885			6,039
	Other expense (income)			68			302			(10	)		360
	Operating income			6,855			1,380			3,382			11,617
	Interest expense			2,350			3,815			1,508			7,673
	Interest income			(194	)		—			—			(194	)
	Other (income) expense, net			(373	)		—			261			(112	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	5,072		$	(2,435	)	$	1,613		$	4,250
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	334,978		$	120,321		$	55,241		$	510,540
	Service revenue			50,861			8,685			38,782			98,328
	Fuel surcharge			81,500			273			13,748			95,521
	Total operating revenues			467,339			129,279			107,771			704,389
	Segment operating income			28,859			9,991			19,448			58,298
	Depreciation and amortization			8,754			8,496			2,490			19,740
	Impairment charges (1)			—			55,692			—			55,692
	Other (income) expense			(5,815	)		3,244			59			(2,512	)
	Operating income (loss)			25,920			(57,441	)		16,899			(14,622	)
	Interest expense			7,397			11,849			4,530			23,776
	Interest income			(659	)		—			—			(659	)
	Other (income) expense, net			(723	)		(6,800	)		699			(6,824	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	19,905		$	(62,490	)	$	11,670		$	(30,915	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	321,355		$	70,122		$	52,327		$	443,804
	Service revenue			50,307			5,174			34,088			89,569
Fuel surcharge			79,944			625			12,784			93,353
Total operating revenues			451,606			75,921			99,199			626,726
Segment operating income			29,694			9,037			14,616			53,347
Depreciation and amortization			8,229			3,623			2,600			14,452
Other (income) expense			(276	)		324			(52	)		(4	)
Operating income			21,741			5,090			12,068			38,899
Interest expense			13,585			3,929			4,528			22,042
Interest income			(602	)		—			—			(602	)
Other (income) expense, net			(1,053	)		—			777			(276	)
Income before income taxes		$	9,811		$	1,161		$	6,763		$	17,735
-1	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	12. Income Taxes
	At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $1.7 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits. Of this total, $1.0 million (net of federal benefit on state tax issues) represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods.
	Included in the balance of total gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2012 was $0.1 million related to tax positions for which it was reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months due to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013, the net change to our total gross unrecognized tax benefit was a decrease of less than $0.1 million. Our total gross unrecognized tax benefit at September 30, 2013 was $1.7 million. This represents the total of our unrecognized tax benefits (not including interest and penalties).
	Our continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. We had $0.4 million (net of federal tax benefit) accrued for interest and $0.2 million accrued for penalties at December 31, 2012. The total amount accrued for interest and penalties at September 30, 2013 was $0.7 million.
	We are subject to income tax in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as well as in multiple state jurisdictions. We believe we are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the years before 2007, to international examinations for years before 2007 and, with few exceptions, to state examinations before 2008.
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were a tax expense of 14.8% and a tax benefit greater than 100.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the current quarter was different from our statutory rate primarily due to a favorable state tax adjustment. The effective tax rate for the same period in 2012 was impacted by a release of $4.9 million of our deferred tax valuation allowance. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were a tax benefit of 37.8% and a tax benefit greater than 100.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was different from our statutory rate due to a partial release of the foreign tax credit valuation allowance. The effective tax rate in the same period in 2012 was impacted by a release of $27.7 million in the aggregate of our deferred tax valuation allowance.

Common_Stock_Offering

Common Stock Offering	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock Offering	'
	13. Common Stock Offering
	On March 13, 2012, we sold 2.5 million shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering, at a gross price of $13 per share, and received net proceeds, after underwriting fees and expenses, of approximately $30.5 million. Certain affiliates of Apollo Management, L.P. also sold 3.2 million shares in the offering.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Program	'
	14. Share Repurchase Program
	On November 20, 2012, we announced a share repurchase program pursuant to which our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $15.0 million of our common stock in an open-ended repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”). The Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date. Stock has been, and may in the future be, purchased pursuant to the Repurchase Program, from time to time, in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions. Subject to applicable laws, repurchases under the Repurchase Program may be made at such times and in such amounts as we deem appropriate and may be made pursuant to Rule 10b5-1. We are not obligated to purchase any shares under the Repurchase Program and it can be discontinued at any time that we feel additional purchases are not warranted. As of September 30, 2013, we have repurchased approximately 1.2 million shares valued at $8.1 million under the Repurchase Program.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	15. Commitments and Contingencies
	Environmental Matters
	It is our policy to comply with all applicable environmental, safety, and health laws. We also are committed to the principles of Responsible Care®, an international chemical industry initiative to enhance the industry’s responsible management of chemicals. We have obtained independent certification that our chemical logistics’ management system is in place and functions according to professional standards, and we continue to evaluate and continuously improve our Responsible Care® Management System performance. Our current activities involve the handling, transportation and storage of bulk chemicals, both liquid and dry, wastewater from oil and gas wells and crude oil, which in many cases are classified as hazardous materials or hazardous substances. The energy logistics business operates disposal wells for non-conventional oil drilling wastewater. In addition, our former tank wash business (which was sold in 2009) and the remaining limited tank wash activities involve the generation, storage, discharge and disposal of wastes that may contain hazardous substances. As such, we and others who operate in our industry are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulation by U.S. federal, state and local agencies as well as foreign governmental authorities. Environmental laws and regulations are complex, and address emissions to the air, discharge onto land or water, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. These laws change frequently and generally require us to obtain and maintain various licenses and permits. Environmental laws have tended to become more stringent over time, and most provide for substantial fines and potential criminal sanctions for violations. Some of these laws and regulations are subject to varying and conflicting interpretations. Under certain of these laws, we could also be subject to allegations of liability for the activities of our independent affiliates or independent owner-operators.
	We are potentially subject to strict joint and several liability for investigating and rectifying the consequences of spills and other releases of such substances. From time to time, we have incurred remedial costs and regulatory penalties with respect to chemical or wastewater spills and releases at our facilities and on the road, and, notwithstanding the existence of our environmental management program, we cannot: (1) assure that such obligations will not be incurred in the future, (2) predict with certainty the extent of future liabilities and costs under environmental, health, and safety laws, or (3) assure that such liabilities will not result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow. We have established reserves for remediation expenses at known contamination sites when it is probable that such efforts will be required of us and the related expenses can be reasonably estimated. We have also incurred in the past, and expect to incur in the future, expenditures related to environmental compliance; however, we do not anticipate that compliance with existing environmental laws will have a material adverse effect on our earnings or competitive position.
	Reserves
	Our policy is to accrue remediation expenses when it is probable that such efforts will be required and the related expenses can be reasonably estimated. Estimates of costs for future environmental compliance and remediation may be impacted by such factors as changes in environmental laws and regulatory requirements, the availability and application of technology, the identification of currently unknown potential remediation sites and the allocation of costs among the potentially responsible parties under the applicable statutes. Our reserves for environmental compliance and remediation are adjusted periodically as remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. It is difficult to quantify with certainty the potential financial impact of actions regarding expenditures for environmental matters, particularly remediation, and future capital expenditures for environmental control equipment. Nevertheless, based upon the information currently available, we believe that our ultimate liability arising from such environmental matters, taking into account the reserves described below, should not be material to our business or financial condition. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had reserves in the amount of approximately $9.0 million for all environmental matters, of which the most significant are presented and discussed below.
		Number of Sites				Reserves (in millions)
		September 30,		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Multi-party sites		17		15	$	2	$	1.7
	Sole party sites:
	Bridgeport, New Jersey		1		1		4.6		4.8
	William Dick, Pennsylvania		1		1		0.7		0.7
	Other Properties		6		6		1.7		1.8
	Total		25		23	$	9	$	9
	The foregoing amounts include estimates for future expenditures over the next five years that we believe are probable and are reasonably estimable. The estimate of the range of reasonably possible costs is less certain than the estimates upon which the reserves are based, and the estimated high ends of the ranges do not represent our maximum theoretical liability.
	Changes to the environmental reserves are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Operations within the “Selling and administrative” category.
	Property Contamination Liabilities
	We have been named as (or are alleged to be) a potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (“CERCLA”) and similar state laws at approximately 25 sites.
	Multi-Party Sites
	At 17 of the 25 sites, we are one of many parties with alleged liability and are negotiating with Federal, State or private parties on the scope of our obligations, if any. At 1 of the 17 sites, we are participating in the initial study to determine site remediation objectives. Since our overall liability cannot be estimated at this time, we have set reserves for only the initial remedial investigation phase. At 2 of the 17 sites, we have explicitly denied any liability and since there has been no subsequent demand for payment, we have not established a reserve for these matters. At 4 of the 17 sites, we received notices about our potential liability which cannot be estimated at this time, and we have not established a reserve for these matters. We have estimated all future expenditures for these 17 multi-party environmental matters to be paid over the next five years to be in the range of $2.0 million to $3.8 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have reserved $2.0 million.
	Sole Party Sites
	At 8 of the 25 sites, we are alleged to be the only responsible party and are in the process of conducting investigations and/or remediation projects. Five of these projects relate to operations conducted by CLC and its subsidiaries prior to our acquisition of CLC in 1998. These five sites are: (1) Bridgeport, New Jersey; (2) William Dick, Pennsylvania; (3) Tonawanda, New York; (4) Scary Creek, West Virginia; and (5) Charleston, West Virginia. The remaining three sites relate to investigations and potential remediation that were triggered by the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act (“ISRA”), which requires such investigations and remediation following the sale of industrial facilities. Each of these five CLC sites is discussed in more detail below. We have estimated future expenditures over the next five years for these eight properties to be in the range of $7.0 million to $16.7 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have reserved $7.0 million.
	Bridgeport, New Jersey
	QDI is required under the terms of three federal consent decrees to perform remediation work at this operating truck terminal and tank wash site. CLC entered into consent orders with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“USEPA”) in 1991 to treat groundwater, in 1998 to remove contamination in the wetlands, and in 2010 to assess and remediate contaminated soils at the site.
	The groundwater treatment remedy negotiated with USEPA required us to construct a treatment facility for in-place treatment of groundwater contamination and a local discharge which was completed in early 2007. After various start-up issues, the treatment facility began long-term operations in July 2011 and is in the operations and maintenance phase. The plant appears to be performing in accordance with its design criteria and meeting permit requirements. Based on the first annual groundwater report, contamination does not appear to be completely delineated and a limited number of additional monitoring wells will have to be installed. Wetlands contamination has been remediated with localized restoration completed. Monitoring of the restored wetlands is required by USEPA and is on-going. USEPA has requested additional monitoring through 2017. In regard to contaminated soils, USEPA finalized the feasibility study and issued a record of decision in 2009 for the limited areas that show contamination and warrant additional investigation or work. We entered into a consent order with USEPA in 2010 to perform the remediation work, which will consist of in-place thermal treatment. In late 2012, USEPA concluded that our additional required site investigation work for delineation purposes was complete. We have finished the preliminary engineering design phase for the thermal treatment of contaminated soils and have also submitted the 95% design report to USEPA for their review and comment. We have estimated aggregate expenditures for the Bridgeport location over the next five years to be in the range of $4.6 million to $8.5 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have reserved $4.6 million.
	William Dick, Pennsylvania
	CLC entered into a consent order with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and USEPA in 1995 to provide a replacement water supply to area residents, treat contaminated groundwater, and perform remediation of contaminated soils at this former wastewater disposal site. The replacement water supply is complete. We completed construction of a groundwater treatment facility with local discharge in 2007 and the treatment facility began operations in 2010. Although initial soil treatment was completed in 2007, test results indicated that soil clean-up objectives were not fully achieved in both shallow and deep soil subzones. Soil piles generated from previous isolated discrete removal actions were subsequently treated on-site. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we received notification from USEPA that this work is now complete. The treated soil was used as backfill at the site. Negotiations with USEPA were positive concerning an approach for further limited soil remediation consisting of targeted in-situ chemical treatment of the deep soil subzones at the site. The field work has been initiated. Negotiations with USEPA will continue over remediation objectives for the final shallow soil subzone that has to be evaluated and remediated. We have estimated aggregate expenditures for the William Dick location over the next five years to be in the range of $0.7 million to $3.4 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have reserved $0.7 million.
	Other Properties
	Tonawanda, New York: CLC entered into a consent order with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) in 1999 obligating it to perform soil and groundwater remediation at this former truck terminal and tank wash site. The state issued a record of decision in 2006. The remedial design work plan has been approved by the NYSDEC, and the remedial action phase is expected to begin during the remainder of 2013.
	Scary Creek, West Virginia: CLC received a cleanup notice from the state environmental authority in 1994. The state and we have agreed that remediation can be conducted under the state’s voluntary clean-up program (instead of the state superfund enforcement program). We are currently completing the originally planned remedial investigation and the additional site investigation work.
	Charleston, West Virginia: CLC completed its remediation plan for a former drum disposal area in 1995 at this truck terminal and tank wash site under the terms of a state hazardous waste permit. Supplemental groundwater monitoring was also required and completed. In 2012, we entered into the state’s voluntary clean-up program which requires us to perform additional sampling to close the site. The sampling work phase that was negotiated with the State of West Virginia has been completed at the site and a report will be submitted to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (“WVDEP”). We have requested confirmation from the WVDEP that no additional sampling work will be necessary.
	ISRA New Jersey Facilities: We are obliged to conduct investigations and remediation at three current or former New Jersey tank wash and terminal sites pursuant to the state’s ISRA, which requires such remediation following the sale of facilities after 1983. Two of the sites are in the process of remedial investigation with projections set in contemplation of limited soil remediation expense for contaminated areas.
	One site has completed the investigation phase and a final report was submitted to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”). In accordance with the report findings and with the concurrence of the NJDEP, remedial efforts included limited soil excavation at the site, deed recordation, placement of clean fill and the designation of a Classification Exception Area for the groundwater. No further field remediation work is expected and this site has entered a long-term monitoring phase.
	We have estimated aggregate future expenditures over the next five years for Tonawanda, Scary Creek, Charleston and ISRA New Jersey to be in the range of $1.7 million to $4.8 million. As of September 30, 2013, we have reserved $1.7 million.
	Other Legal Matters
	We are from time to time involved in routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We believe that no such routine litigation currently pending against us, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Guarantees

Guarantees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees	'
	16. Guarantees
	In conjunction with certain third-party financing vendors, we have established a lease purchase program to enable certain independent owner-operators to lease tractors from those third-party vendors. As part of this program, we have agreed with those third-party vendors to guarantee the lease payment obligations of participating independent owner-operators in certain circumstances. The guarantees expire at various dates beginning in 2015 through 2019 and are for an average amount per tractor of approximately $0.1 million.
	Our estimated aggregate maximum exposure under these lease guarantees was approximately $2.9 million as of September 30, 2013, which represents the amount of the remaining lease payments on all outstanding guaranteed leases as of that date. However, upon a default, we may take actions to reduce or recoup our expenditures, including purchasing the tractor and reselling it to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid, or facilitating an arrangement between the third-party vendor and another independent owner-operator to assume the lease. In addition, up to 50% of any remaining losses related to independent owner-operators managed by independent affiliates could be recouped from those independent affiliates. Therefore, we believe our probable exposure is substantially less than $2.9 million. We did not receive notice of any material default under these leases during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Guarantor_Subsidiaries

Guarantor Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
	17. Guarantor Subsidiaries
	At and during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were outstanding 2018 Notes that were issued by our subsidiaries, QD LLC and QD Capital. The payment obligations of QD LLC and QD Capital under the 2018 Notes are guaranteed by QDI and by all of its domestic subsidiaries other than immaterial subsidiaries as further described below.
	The 2018 Notes are the senior obligations of our subsidiaries, QD LLC and QD Capital, and are secured by a subordinated, second-priority lien on assets that secure our ABL Facility through a collateral agreement that is separate from the indenture under which these notes were issued. Pursuant to an intercreditor agreement, the liens on the collateral securing the 2018 Notes rank junior in right of payment to the ABL Facility and obligations under certain hedging agreements and cash management obligations and certain other first-lien obligations. Decisions regarding the maintenance and release of the collateral secured by the collateral agreement are made by the lenders under our ABL Facility, and neither the indenture trustee nor the holders of the 2018 Notes have control of decisions regarding the release of the collateral.
	The 2018 Notes are also guaranteed on a second-priority senior secured basis, jointly and severally, by QDI, subsidiary guarantors, and certain of our future U.S. restricted subsidiaries. The guarantees of the subsidiary guarantors are full and unconditional subject to customary release provisions for sales of a subsidiary in compliance with other provisions of the indenture for the 2018 Notes (the “Notes Indenture”), foreclosures of a pledge of the equity interests of the subsidiary, the right to designate a subsidiary as unrestricted under the terms of the Notes Indenture, the discharge of the 2018 Notes or the defeasance of the Notes Indenture. The guarantee of QDI is full and unconditional.
	The subsidiary guarantors of all of the 2018 Notes are all of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries other than immaterial subsidiaries. No non-domestic subsidiaries are guarantor subsidiaries. QD Capital has no material assets or operations. QD LLC, all of the subsidiary guarantors and QD Capital are 100% owned by QDI. The subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned subsidiaries of QD LLC. QD LLC conducts substantially all of its business through and derives virtually all of its income from its subsidiaries. Therefore, its ability to make required principal and interest payments with respect to its indebtedness depends on the earnings of subsidiaries and its ability to receive funds from its subsidiaries through dividend and other payments.
	QDI has no significant restrictions on its ability to receive funds from its subsidiaries. The ABL Facility and the indenture governing our 2018 Notes contain certain limitations on QD LLC’s ability to make distributions to QDI. We do not consider these restrictions to be significant, because QDI is a holding company with no significant operations or assets, other than ownership of 100% of QD LLC’s membership units. QD LLC’s direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries are generally permitted to make distributions to QD LLC, which is the principal obligor under the ABL Facility and the 2018 Notes. We do not believe that additional financial or narrative information about QDI, QD LLC, QD Capital or the subsidiary guarantors would be material to evaluating the guarantees.
	The following condensed consolidating financial information for QDI, QD LLC, and QD Capital, which has no assets or operations, non-guarantor subsidiaries and combined guarantor subsidiaries presents:
		•		Condensed consolidating balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and condensed consolidating statements of operations for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
		•		Elimination entries necessary to consolidate the parent company and all its subsidiaries.
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
			QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
						QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Operating revenues:
	Transportation		$	—		$	—		$	171,899		$	—		$	—		$	171,899
	Service revenue			—			—			32,147			22			—			32,169
	Fuel surcharge			—			—			31,603			—			—			31,603
	Total operating revenues			—			—			235,649			22			—			235,671
	Operating expenses:
	Purchased transportation			—			—			153,153			—			—			153,153
	Compensation			—			—			24,431			—			—			24,431
	Fuel, supplies and maintenance			—			—			26,212			—			—			26,212
	Depreciation and amortization			—			—			6,318			—			—			6,318
	Selling and administrative			—			16			8,305			10			—			8,331
	Insurance costs			—			—			4,600			7			—			4,607
	Taxes and licenses			—			—			1,086			—			—			1,086
	Communication and utilities			—			—			930			—			—			930
	Gain on disposal of property and equipment			—			—			(142	)		(872	)		—			(1,014	)
	Operating (loss) income			—			(16	)		10,756			877			—			11,617
	Interest expense (income), non-related party, net			—			7,702			255			(2	)		—			7,955
	Interest (income) expense, related party, net			—			(7,702	)		7,784			(82	)		—			—
	Write-off of debt issuance costs			—			521			—			—			—			521
	Other expense (income), net			476			—			(548	)		(30	)		—			(102	)
	(Loss) income before income taxes			(476	)		(537	)		3,265			991			—			3,243
	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes			(35	)		—			336			179			—			480
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			3,204			3,741			—			—			(6,945	)		—
	Net income		$	2,763		$	3,204		$	2,929		$	812		$	(6,945	)	$	2,763
	Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			349			349			386			(37	)		(698	)		349
	Comprehensive income		$	3,112		$	3,553		$	3,315		$	775		$	(7,643	)	$	3,112
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
			QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
						QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Operating revenues:
	Transportation		$	—		$	—		$	160,079		$	—		$	—		$	160,079
	Service revenue			—			—			31,447			103			—			31,550
	Fuel surcharge			—			—			30,449			—			—			30,449
	Total operating revenues			—			—			221,975			103			—			222,078
	Operating expenses:
	Purchased transportation			—			—			143,036			—			—			143,036
	Compensation			—			—			22,522			—			—			22,522
	Fuel, supplies and maintenance			—			—			24,085			—			—			24,085
	Depreciation and amortization			—			—			6,039			—			—			6,039
	Selling and administrative			—			8			8,228			22			—			8,258
	Insurance costs			—			—			4,374			—			—			4,374
	Taxes and licenses			—			—			807			—			—			807
	Communication and utilities			—			—			980			—			—			980
Loss on disposal of property and equipment			—			—			360			—			—			360
Operating (loss) income			—			(8	)		11,544			81			—			11,617
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net			—			7,232			251			(4	)		—			7,479
Interest (income) expense, related party, net			—			(7,232	)		7,336			(104	)		—			—
Other income			—			—			(45	)		(67	)		—			(112	)
(Loss) income before income taxes			—			(8	)		4,002			256			—			4,250
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes			—			—			(4,651	)		38			—			(4,613	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			8,863			8,871			—			—			(17,734	)		—
Net income		$	8,863		$	8,863		$	8,653		$	218		$	(17,734	)	$	8,863
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			317			317			388			(71	)		(634	)		317
Comprehensive income		$	9,180		$	9,180		$	9,041		$	147		$	(18,368	)	$	9,180
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Operating revenues:
Transportation		$	—		$	—		$	510,540		$	—		$	—		$	510,540
Service revenue			—			—			98,180			148			—			98,328
Fuel surcharge			—			—			95,521			—			—			95,521
Total operating revenues			—			—			704,241			148			—			704,389
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation			—			—			446,405			—			—			446,405
Compensation			—			—			76,402			—			—			76,402
Fuel, supplies and maintenance			—			—			79,550			8			—			79,558
Depreciation and amortization			—			—			19,740			—			—			19,740
Selling and administrative			—			148			23,781			36			—			23,965
Insurance costs			—			—			13,454			23			—			13,477
Taxes and licenses			—			—			3,337			—			—			3,337
Communication and utilities			—			—			2,947			—			—			2,947
Gain on disposal of property and equipment			—			—			(1,590	)		(922	)		—			(2,512	)
Impairment charges									55,692									55,692
Operating (loss) income			—			(148	)		(15,477	)		1,003			—			(14,622	)
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net			—			22,518			601			(2	)		—			23,117
Interest (income) expense, related party, net			—			(22,518	)		22,767			(249	)		—			—
Write-off of debt issuance costs			—			521			—			—			—			521
Other expense (income)			476			—			(7,884	)		63			—			(7,345	)
(Loss) income before income taxes			(476	)		(669	)		(30,961	)		1,191			—			(30,915	)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes			(29	)		—			(11,878	)		232			—			(11,675	)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries			(18,793	)		(18,124	)		—			—			36,917			—
Net (loss) income		$	(19,240	)	$	(18,793	)	$	(19,083	)	$	959		$	36,917		$	(19,240	)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax			1,213			1,213			1,159			54			(2,426	)		1,213
Comprehensive (loss) income		$	(18,027	)	$	(17,580	)	$	(17,924	)	$	1,013		$	34,491		$	(18,027	)
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Operating revenues:
Transportation		$	—		$	—		$	443,804		$	—		$	—		$	443,804
Service revenue			—			—			89,264			305			—			89,569
Fuel surcharge			—			—			93,353			—			—			93,353
Total operating revenues			—			—			626,421			305			—			626,726
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation			—			—			417,222			—			—			417,222
Compensation			—			—			57,669			—			—			57,669
Fuel, supplies and maintenance			—			—			56,996			—			—			56,996
Depreciation and amortization			—			—			14,452			—			—			14,452
Selling and administrative			—			25			24,782			50			—			24,857
Insurance costs			—			—			11,732			—			—			11,732
Taxes and licenses			—			—			2,179			—			—			2,179
Communication and utilities			—			—			2,724			—			—			2,724
Gain on disposal of property and equipment			—			—			(4	)		—			—			(4	)
Operating (loss) income			—			(25	)		38,669			255			—			38,899
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net			—			20,959			491			(10	)		—			21,440
Interest (income) expense, related party, net			—			(20,959	)		21,271			(312	)		—			—
Other income			—			—			(218	)		(58	)		—			(276	)
(Loss) income before income taxes			—			(25	)		17,125			635			—			17,735
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes			—			—			(26,741	)		109			—			(26,632	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries			44,367			44,392			—			—			(88,759	)		—
Net income		$	44,367		$	44,367		$	43,866		$	526		$	(88,759	)	$	44,367
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,099			1,099			1,164			(65	)		(2,198	)		1,099
Comprehensive income		$	45,466		$	45,466		$	45,030		$	461		$	(90,957	)	$	45,466
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2013
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	—		$	2,365		$	897		$	—		$	3,262
Accounts receivable, net			—			—			130,083			16			—			130,099
Prepaid expenses			—			(17	)		12,817			30			—			12,830
Deferred tax asset, net			—			—			20,944			—			—			20,944
Intercompany			—			—			395,745			108			(395,853	)		—
Other			50			—			10,710			2			—			10,762
Total current assets			50			(17	)		572,664			1,053			(395,853	)		177,897
Property and equipment, net			—			—			170,083			—			—			170,083
Assets held-for-sale			—			—			1,848			—			—			1,848
Goodwill			—			—			50,553			—			—			50,553
Intangibles, net			—			—			35,050			—			—			35,050
Non-current deferred tax asset, net			(2,270	)		—			22,682			—			—			20,412
Investment in subsidiaries			(103,919	)		408,691			—			—			(304,772	)		—
Intercompany			141,002			209,009			365,096			12,039			(727,146	)		—
Other assets			—			8,217			992			—			—			9,209
Total assets		$	34,863		$	625,900		$	1,218,968		$	13,092		$	(1,427,771	)	$	465,052
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of indebtedness		$	—		$	3,889		$	3,335		$	—		$	—		$	7,224
Current maturities of capital lease obligations			—			—			1,618			—			—			1,618
Accounts payable			—			—			9,834			(13	)		—			9,821
Intercompany			72,715			—			323,138			—			(395,853	)		—
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable			—			—			18,723			—			—			18,723
Accrued expenses			286			8,831			26,756			36			—			35,909
Environmental liabilities			—			—			4,327			—			—			4,327
Accrued loss and damage claims			—			—			7,960			—			—			7,960
Total current liabilities			73,001			12,720			395,691			23			(395,853	)		85,582
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities			—			356,605			22,964			—			—			379,569
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities			—			—			626			—			—			626
Environmental liabilities			—			—			4,675			—			—			4,675
Accrued loss and damage claims			—			—			10,143			—			—			10,143
Intercompany			—			360,494			362,050			4,602			(727,146	)		—
Other non-current liabilities			—			—			22,556			39			—			22,595
Total liabilities			73,001			729,819			818,705			4,664			(1,122,999	)		503,190
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:
Common stock			440,001			354,963			390,760			4,191			(749,914	)		440,001
Treasury stock			(10,329	)		—			—			—			—			(10,329	)
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings			(247,707	)		(239,251	)		38,547			5,315			195,389			(247,707	)
Stock recapitalization			(189,589	)		(189,589	)		—			(55	)		189,644			(189,589	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(30,539	)		(30,067	)		(29,044	)		(1,023	)		60,134			(30,539	)
Stock purchase warrants			25			25			—			—			(25	)		25
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity			(38,138	)		(103,919	)		400,263			8,428			(304,772	)		(38,138	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity		$	34,863		$	625,900		$	1,218,968		$	13,092		$	(1,427,771	)	$	465,052
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2012
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	—		$	—		$	2,580		$	124		$	—		$	2,704
Accounts receivable, net			—			—			113,863			43			—			113,906
Prepaid expenses			—			(19	)		14,648			22			—			14,651
Deferred tax asset, net			—			—			16,609			—			—			16,609
Intercompany			—			—			369,458			88			(369,546	)		—
Other			44			—			9,679			(29	)		—			9,694
Total current assets			44			(19	)		526,837			248			(369,546	)		157,564
Property and equipment, net			—			—			190,342			—			—			190,342
Goodwill			—			—			104,294			—			—			104,294
Intangibles, net			—			—			37,654			—			—			37,654
Non-current deferred tax asset, net			(2,300	)		—			14,013			—			—			11,713
Investment in subsidiaries			(86,339	)		425,602			—			—			(339,263	)		—
Intercompany			144,738			252,732			389,289			11,582			(798,341	)		—
Other assets			—			9,510			2,526			—			—			12,036
Total assets		$	56,143		$	687,825		$	1,264,955		$	11,830		$	(1,507,150	)	$	513,603
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of indebtedness		$	—		$	—		$	3,918		$	—		$	—		$	3,918
Current maturities of capital lease obligations			—			—			3,913			—			—			3,913
Accounts payable			—			—			9,977			(11	)		—			9,966
Intercompany			74,583			—			294,963			—			(369,546	)		—
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable			—			—			14,243			—			—			14,243
Accrued expenses			—			4,294			33,567			28			—			37,889
Environmental liabilities			—			—			2,739			—			—			2,739
Accrued loss and damage claims			—			—			7,326			—			—			7,326
Total current liabilities			74,583			4,294			370,646			17			(369,546	)		79,994
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities			—			384,935			23,915			—			—			408,850
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities			—			—			2,125			—			—			2,125
Environmental liabilities			—			—			6,302			—			—			6,302
Accrued loss and damage claims			—			—			9,494			—			—			9,494
Intercompany			—			384,935			409,053			4,353			(798,341	)		—
Other non-current liabilities			—			—			25,233			45			—			25,278
Total liabilities			74,583			774,164			846,768			4,415			(1,167,887	)		532,043
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:
Common stock			437,192			354,963			390,760			4,191			(749,914	)		437,192
Treasury stock			(5,849	)		—			—			—			—			(5,849	)
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings			(228,467	)		(220,458	)		57,630			4,356			158,472			(228,467	)
Stock recapitalization			(189,589	)		(189,589	)		—			(55	)		189,644			(189,589	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(31,752	)		(31,280	)		(30,203	)		(1,077	)		62,560			(31,752	)
Stock purchase warrants			25			25			—			—			(25	)		25
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity			(18,440	)		(86,339	)		418,187			7,415			(339,263	)		(18,440	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity		$	56,143		$	687,825		$	1,264,955		$	11,830		$	(1,507,150	)	$	513,603
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income			(19,240	)	$	(18,793	)	$	(19,083	)	$	959		$	36,917		$	(19,240	)
Adjustments for non-cash charges			21,307			(1,907	)		75,974			(1,891	)		(36,917	)		56,566
Net changes in assets and liabilities			309			5,828			(4,100	)		(12	)		—			2,025
Intercompany activity			(2,376	)		14,872			(14,213	)		1,717			—			—
Net cash provided by operating activities			—			—			38,578			773			—			39,351
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures			—			—			(19,156	)		—			—			(19,156	)
Trojan purchase price adjustment			—			—			(857	)		—			—			(857	)
Acquisition of customer list			—			—			(1,000	)		—			—			(1,000	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			—			—			17,981			—			—			17,981
Net cash used in investing activities			—			—			(3,032	)		—			—			(3,032	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			—			17,500			—			—			—			17,500
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations			—			(22,500	)		(4,963	)		—			—			(27,463	)
Proceeds from revolver			—			163,600			—			—			—			163,600
Payments on revolver			—			(183,300	)		—			—			—			(183,300	)
Deferred financing costs			—			(935	)		—			—			—			(935	)
Purchases of treasury stock			(4,454	)														(4,454	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			311			—			—			—			—			311
Other						—			(1,020	)		—			—			(1,020	)
Intercompany activity			4,143			25,635			(29,778	)		—			—			—
Net cash used in financing activities			—			—			(35,761	)		—			—			(35,761	)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			—			—			(215	)		773			—			558
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			—			—			2,580			124			—			2,704
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	—		$	—		$	2,365		$	897		$	—		$	3,262
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	44,367		$	44,367		$	43,866		$	526		$	(88,759	)	$	44,367
Adjustments for non-cash charges			(41,993	)		(63,618	)		8,440			(312	)		88,759			(8,724	)
Net changes in assets and liabilities			(77	)		6,375			(33,083	)		(289	)		—			(27,074	)
Intercompany activity			(2,297	)		12,876			(10,717	)		138			—			—
Net cash provided by operating activities			—			—			8,506			63			—			8,569
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures			—			—			(27,423	)		—			—			(27,423	)
Greensville purchase price adjustment			—			—			(66	)		—			—			(66	)
Acquisition of Trojan			—			—			(8,657	)		—			—			(8,657	)
Acquisition of Bice			—			—			(52,176	)		—			—			(52,176	)
Acquisition of Dunn’s			—			—			(34,321	)		—			—			(34,321	)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment			—			—			7,453			—			—			7,453
Net cash used in investing activities			—			—			(115,190	)		—			—			(115,190	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations			—			—			(6,335	)		—			—			(6,335	)
Proceeds from revolver			—			179,400			—			—			—			179,400
Payments on revolver			—			(99,200	)		—			—			—			(99,200	)
Deferred financing costs			—			(846	)		—			—			—			(846	)
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs			30,493			—			—			—			—			30,493
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			254			—			—			—			—			254
Other			—			—			1,730			—			—			1,730
Intercompany activity			(30,747	)		(79,354	)		110,101			—			—			—
Net cash provided by financing activities			—			—			105,496			—			—			105,496
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			—			—			(1,188	)		63			—			(1,125	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			—			—			3,540			513			—			4,053
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	—		$	—		$	2,352		$	576		$	—		$	2,928

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	In this quarterly report, unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, (i) the terms the “Company,” “our Company,” “Quality Distribution,” “QDI,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Quality Distribution, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and their predecessors, (ii) the terms “Quality Distribution, LLC” and “QD LLC” refer to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Quality Distribution, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its consolidated subsidiaries and their predecessors, (iii) the term “QD Capital” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, QD Capital Corporation, a Delaware corporation, (iv) the term “QCI” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Quality Carriers, Inc., an Illinois corporation, (v) the term “Boasso” refers collectively to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Boasso America Corporation, a Louisiana corporation, and Boasso’s former wholly-owned subsidiary, Greensville Transport Company (“Greensville”), a Virginia corporation which has since been merged with and into Boasso America Corporation, (vi) the term “QCER” refers collectively to our wholly-owned subsidiary QC Energy Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, QC Energy Logistics, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, QC Energy Resources, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, QC Energy Resources Northwest, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and QC Energy Resources Texas, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as well as our wholly-owned subsidiary QC Environmental Services, Inc., a North Dakota corporation, and (vii) the term “CLC” refers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, Chemical Leaman Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation.
	We are engaged primarily in transportation of bulk chemicals in North America through QCI. We are the largest provider of intermodal ISO tank container and depot services in North America through Boasso. In 2011, we entered the unconventional gas and oil frac shale energy markets, providing logistics services to these markets through QCER. We conduct a significant portion of our business through a network of independent affiliates and independent owner-operators. Independent affiliates are companies which enter into various term contracts with the Company. Independent affiliates are responsible for paying for their own power equipment (including debt service), fuel and other operating costs. Most of the independent affiliates lease trailers from us. Independent owner-operators are independent contractors who, through a contract with us, supply one or more tractors and drivers for our use. Contracts with independent owner-operators may be terminated by either party on short notice. We charge independent affiliates and third parties for the use of tractors and trailers as necessary. In exchange for the services rendered, independent affiliates and independent owner-operators are normally paid a percentage of the revenues collected on each load hauled.
	Our accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and accruals) considered necessary for a fair statement of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows have been included. The year ended December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from our audited financial statements, but does not include all the disclosures required by GAAP. For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, including the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
	Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting pronouncement related to income taxes. Under this standard, entities are required to recognize that an unrecognized tax benefit be presented in the consolidated financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except as follows: To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the consolidated financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement related to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Under this standard, entities are required to disclose additional information with respect to changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI. Expanded disclosures for presentation of changes in AOCI involve disaggregating the total change of each component of other comprehensive income as well as presenting separately for each such component the portion of the change in AOCI related to (1) amounts reclassified into income and (2) current-period other comprehensive income. The disclosures required with respect to income statement line item impacts would be made in either the notes to the consolidated financial statements or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements. This standard is effective beginning January 1, 2013. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting pronouncement related to intangibles—goodwill and other, which permits companies to first consider qualitative factors as a basis for assessing impairment and determining the necessity of a detailed impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets. The provisions for this pronouncement are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Acquisition and Dispositions	'
	Acquisition and Dispositions
	During the first nine months of 2013, we did not complete any acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or independent affiliates.
	Acquisition of an Independent Affiliate
	During the third quarter of 2012, we terminated our business relationship with an independent affiliate due to financial and operational difficulties. On October 17, 2012, we acquired the business, certain operating assets and certain liabilities of this independent affiliate for a purchase price of $17.1 million, paid in cash at closing. Of the total $17.1 million, we allocated $15.5 million to property and equipment and $1.6 million to goodwill. The entire amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. This independent affiliate operated eight terminals within the chemical logistics segment and one terminal within the energy logistics segment. Four chemical logistics terminals were immediately transitioned to other independent affiliates and the remaining terminals were initially transitioned to company operations. As of September 30, 2013, the four company-operated terminals were transitioned to independent affiliates. During this transition, operating results for the third and fourth quarters of 2012 were adversely impacted in aggregate by $4.4 million of greater than expected operating costs and reduced profitability. During the first nine months of 2013, we recognized $0.4 million of additional transition costs.
	Dunn’s Tank Service and Nassau Disposal, Inc.
	On August 1, 2012, we acquired certain operating assets of Dunn’s Tank Service, Inc. and the operating assets and rights of Nassau Disposal, Inc. (collectively “Dunn’s”), for an aggregate purchase price of $34.3 million paid in cash to expand our energy logistics business. An additional $3.6 million in cash consideration was payable one year after the closing date if certain future operating and financial performance criteria were satisfied. These criteria were not met. Of the total $34.3 million, we allocated $12.2 million to property and equipment, $17.3 million to goodwill and $4.8 million to intangibles. The entire amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Dunn’s provides transportation services to the unconventional oil and gas industry primarily within the Woodford shale region, primarily providing various services for oil drilling preparation and hauling flowback and production water for various energy customers. The results of Dunn’s have been included in our results since the date of acquisition, and are included in our energy logistics segment.
	Wylie Bice Trucking, LLC and RM Resources, LLC
	On June 1, 2012, we acquired certain operating assets of Wylie Bice Trucking, LLC and the operating assets and rights of RM Resources, LLC, (collectively “Bice”), for $81.4 million aggregate consideration to expand our energy logistics business. Bice provides transportation services to the unconventional oil and gas frac shale industry within the Bakken shale region, primarily hauling fresh water, flowback and production water, and oil for numerous energy and other customers. The flowback and production water Bice hauls is primarily disposed of utilizing six salt water injection wells we purchased from Bice. The results of the Bice acquisition have been included in our results since the date of acquisition, and are included in our energy logistics segment.
	The Bice transaction was structured as two separate asset acquisitions with aggregate consideration paid to the sellers as follows: (i) $52.2 million in cash; (ii) $21.3 million in 5-year subordinated seller notes bearing interest annually at a 5.0% fixed rate; and (iii) $7.9 million of approximately 0.7 million shares of Quality common stock. Up to an additional $19.0 million was payable in cash one year after the closing date, contingent upon the collective businesses meeting certain future operating and financial performance criteria. These criteria were not met. The purchase price of the combined acquisitions has been allocated to the assets acquired according to their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisitions as follows:
	(In thousands)		Bice & RM
			Combined
	Equipment		$	26,557
	Non-compete agreements			400
	Tradename (a)			700
	Customer-related intangibles			12,320
	Goodwill (a)			48,218
	Contingent consideration (b)			(6,800	)
			$	81,395
	(a)	In the second quarter of 2013, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an impairment charge against a portion of the goodwill and wrote off the remaining unamortized balance of the acquired tradenames. Refer to Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for additional disclosure.
	(b)	In the first quarter of 2013, it was determined that the contingent consideration would not be paid. Therefore, the Company wrote off $6.8 million of contingent consideration which is recognized in our energy logistics results as a gain in “Other (income) expense net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The non-compete agreements are amortized over an estimated six-year useful life on a straight-line basis. The customer-related intangible assets relate to acquired customer relationships and are amortized over an estimated ten-year useful life on a straight-line basis. Goodwill has been recorded because the consideration paid exceeds the fair value of the assets acquired. The goodwill acquired in these acquisitions is tax deductible.
	Unaudited Pro forma Results. Businesses acquired are included in our consolidated results from the date of each acquisition. Unaudited pro forma results displayed below only represent the Bice acquisition, as our other acquisitions in 2012 did not meet the threshold for pro forma reporting. We did not consummate any business acquisitions for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results are presented to show our results, on a pro forma basis, as if the 2012 acquisition of Bice had been completed as of January 1, 2012:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013			2012
			As reported			As reported		As reported			Pro forma
	Operating revenues		$	235,671		$	222,078	$	704,389		$	674,763
	Net income (loss) (a)(b)(c)			2,763			8,863		(19,240	)		46,795
	Income (loss) per common share—basic		$	0.1		$	0.32	$	(0.73	)	$	1.78
	Income (loss) per common share—diluted		$	0.1		$	0.32	$	(0.73	)	$	1.73
	(a)	Includes impairment charges of $55.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(b)	Includes release of $4.9 million of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the three months ended September 30, 2012.
	(c)	Includes release of $27.7 million in the aggregate of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Trojan Vacuum Services
	On April 1, 2012, we acquired certain operating assets of Trojan Vacuum Services (“Trojan”) to expand our energy logistics business. The purchase price was $8.7 million paid in cash at closing, plus $1.0 million payable in cash upon the satisfaction of certain operating and financial performance criteria. These criteria were satisfied and the full $1.0 million was paid in January 2013. Of the total $8.7 million, we allocated $4.1 million to property and equipment, $4.3 million to intangibles and $0.3 million to goodwill. The entire amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Trojan provides transportation service to the unconventional oil and gas frac shale industry within the Eagle Ford shale region, primarily hauling flowback and production water for various energy customers. The results of the Trojan acquisition have been included in our results since the date of acquisition and are included in our energy logistics segment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired	'
	The purchase price of the combined acquisitions has been allocated to the assets acquired according to their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisitions as follows:
	(In thousands)		Bice & RM
			Combined
	Equipment		$	26,557
	Non-compete agreements			400
	Tradename (a)			700
	Customer-related intangibles			12,320
	Goodwill (a)			48,218
	Contingent consideration (b)			(6,800	)
			$	81,395
	(a)	In the second quarter of 2013, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an impairment charge against a portion of the goodwill and wrote off the remaining unamortized balance of the acquired tradenames. Refer to Note 4, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for additional disclosure.
	(b)	In the first quarter of 2013, it was determined that the contingent consideration would not be paid. Therefore, the Company wrote off $6.8 million of contingent consideration which is recognized in our energy logistics results as a gain in “Other (income) expense net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Pro Forma Consolidated Results	'
	The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results are presented to show our results, on a pro forma basis, as if the 2012 acquisition of Bice had been completed as of January 1, 2012:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013			2012
			As reported			As reported		As reported			Pro forma
	Operating revenues		$	235,671		$	222,078	$	704,389		$	674,763
	Net income (loss) (a)(b)(c)			2,763			8,863		(19,240	)		46,795
	Income (loss) per common share—basic		$	0.1		$	0.32	$	(0.73	)	$	1.78
	Income (loss) per common share—diluted		$	0.1		$	0.32	$	(0.73	)	$	1.73
	(a)	Includes impairment charges of $55.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	(b)	Includes release of $4.9 million of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the three months ended September 30, 2012.
	(c)	Includes release of $27.7 million in the aggregate of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Carrying Value and Fair Value of Long-Term Indebtedness	'
	As of September 30, 2013, the carrying value and fair value are as follows (in thousands):
		Carrying		Fair Value
		Value
	9.875% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2018 (“2018 Notes”)	$	202,500	$	220,725

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill within Segments	'
	Goodwill within the energy logistics, intermodal and chemical logistics segments is as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,		Purchase Price		Impairment			September 30,
		2012		Adjustment					2013
	Energy Logistics	$	71,339	$	1,430	$	(55,171	)	$	17,598
	Intermodal		31,410		—		—			31,410
	Chemical Logistics		1,545		—		—			1,545
	Total	$	104,294	$	1,430	$	(55,171	)	$	50,553
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets at September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Gross Book		2013		Impairment			Accumulated			Net Book		Average
		Value		Additions					Amortization			Value		Lives
														(in years)
	Tradename—Intermodal	$	7,400	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	7,400	Indefinite
	Tradename—Energy Logistics		1,100		—		(521	)		(579	)		—	—
	Customer relationships		33,410		1,000		—			(8,660	)		25,750	12-Oct
	Non-compete agreements		4,311		—		—			(3,378	)		933	6-Mar
	Service agreement		1,120		—		—			(153	)		967	11
		$	47,341	$	1,000	$	(521	)	$	(12,770	)	$	35,050
	Intangible assets at December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Gross Book		2012		Accumulated			Net Book			Average
		Value		Additions		Amortization			Value			Lives
												(in years)
	Tradename—Intermodal	$	7,400	$	—	$	—		$	7,400		Indefinite
	Tradename—Energy Logistics		—		1,100		(304	)		796		2
	Customer relationships		14,260		19,150		(6,292	)		27,118		12-Oct
	Non-compete agreements		3,221		1,090		(3,015	)		1,296		6-Mar
	Service agreement		—		1,120		(76	)		1,044		11
		$	24,881	$	22,460	$	(9,687	)	$	37,654
Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets	'
	Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):
	2013 remaining	$	894
	2014		3,534
	2015		3,534
	2016		3,530
	2017		3,454
	2018 and thereafter		12,704
	Total	$	27,650

Income_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share	'
	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted income (loss) per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended
		September 30, 2013								September 30, 2012
		Net income			Shares		Per-share			Net income		Shares		Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)		amount			(numerator)		(denominator)		amount
	Basic income available to common shareholders:	$	2,763			26,463	$	0.1		$	8,863		27,368	$	0.32
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			517		—			—		556		—
	Unvested restricted stock		—			157		—			—		156		—
	Stock warrants		—			9		—			—		9		—
	Diluted income available to common shareholders:	$	2,763			27,146	$	0.10		$	8,863		28,089	$	0.32
		Nine months ended
		September 30, 2013								September 30, 2012
		Net loss			Shares		Per-share			Net income		Shares		Per-share
		(numerator)			(denominator)		amount			(numerator)		(denominator)		amount
	Basic (loss) income available to common shareholders:	$	(19,240	)		26,516	$	(0.73	)	$	44,367		26,243	$	1.69
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			—		—			—		628		—
	Unvested restricted stock		—			—		—			—		172		—
	Stock warrants		—			—		—			—		14		—
	Diluted (loss) income available to common shareholders:	$	(19,240	)		26,516	$	(0.73	)	$	44,367		27,057	$	1.64
Summary of Antidilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Income Per Share	'
	The following securities were not included in the calculation of diluted income (loss) per share because such inclusion would be anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Stock options		1,914			1,808		1,970			1,737
	Unvested restricted shares and stock units		282			268		327			253

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation and Weighted Average Period	'
	The following table summarizes unrecognized stock-based compensation and the weighted average period over which such stock-based compensation is expected to be recognized as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
				Remaining
				years
	Stock options	$	2,285		2.5
	Restricted stock		1,913		2.6
		$	4,198

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Components of Estimated Net Periodic Pension Cost	'
	The components of net periodic pension cost are estimated as follows (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	41		$	44		$	124		$	132
	Interest cost		463			542			1,390			1,626
	Amortization of prior service cost		24			23			71			70
	Amortization of loss		362			365			1,088			1,094
	Expected return on plan assets		(584	)		(565	)		(1,753	)		(1,696	)
	Net periodic pension cost	$	306		$	409		$	920		$	1,226

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Components and Changes to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The components and changes to accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation
	Beginning balance	$	(1,089	)	$	(1,131	)	$	(1,180	)	$	(1,137	)
	Net gain on foreign currency translation, net of tax		(37	)		(71	)		54			(65	)
	Ending balance	$	(1,126	)	$	(1,202	)	$	(1,126	)	$	(1,202	)
	Pension benefits
	Beginning balance	$	(29,799	)	$	(29,468	)	$	(30,572	)	$	(30,244	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		24			23			71			70
	Amortization of gain		362			365			1,088			1,094
	Ending balance	$	(29,413	)	$	(29,080	)	$	(29,413	)	$	(29,080	)
	Total AOCL ending balance	$	(30,539	)	$	(30,282	)	$	(30,539	)	$	(30,282	)

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Accrual Activity	'
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had the following activity in our restructuring accrual (in thousands):
		Balance at		Additions		Payments			Reductions			Balance at
		December 31,										September 30,
		2012										2013
	Restructuring costs	$	2,149	$	155	$	(392	)	$	(204	)	$	1,708

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summarized Segment Data and Reconciliation to Income before Income Taxes	'
	Summarized segment data and a reconciliation to income before income taxes follow (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	112,704		$	40,819		$	18,376		$	171,899
	Service revenue			17,546			2,264			12,359			32,169
	Fuel surcharge			27,049			—			4,554			31,603
	Total operating revenues			157,299			43,083			35,289			235,671
	Segment operating income			8,879			2,432			5,610			16,921
	Depreciation and amortization			2,861			2,603			854			6,318
	Other (income) expense			(2,647	)		1,648			(15	)		(1,014	)
	Operating income (loss)			8,665			(1,819	)		4,771			11,617
	Interest expense			2,577			4,077			1,515			8,169
	Interest income			(214	)		—			—			(214	)
	Other expense, net			226			—			193			419
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	6,076		$	(5,896	)	$	3,063		$	3,243
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	107,773		$	35,144		$	17,162		$	160,079
	Service revenue			17,414			3,043			11,093			31,550
	Fuel surcharge			26,252			299			3,898			30,449
	Total operating revenues			151,439			38,486			32,153			222,078
	Segment operating income			9,718			4,041			4,257			18,016
	Depreciation and amortization			2,795			2,359			885			6,039
	Other expense (income)			68			302			(10	)		360
	Operating income			6,855			1,380			3,382			11,617
	Interest expense			2,350			3,815			1,508			7,673
	Interest income			(194	)		—			—			(194	)
	Other (income) expense, net			(373	)		—			261			(112	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	5,072		$	(2,435	)	$	1,613		$	4,250
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	334,978		$	120,321		$	55,241		$	510,540
	Service revenue			50,861			8,685			38,782			98,328
	Fuel surcharge			81,500			273			13,748			95,521
	Total operating revenues			467,339			129,279			107,771			704,389
	Segment operating income			28,859			9,991			19,448			58,298
	Depreciation and amortization			8,754			8,496			2,490			19,740
	Impairment charges (1)			—			55,692			—			55,692
	Other (income) expense			(5,815	)		3,244			59			(2,512	)
	Operating income (loss)			25,920			(57,441	)		16,899			(14,622	)
	Interest expense			7,397			11,849			4,530			23,776
	Interest income			(659	)		—			—			(659	)
	Other (income) expense, net			(723	)		(6,800	)		699			(6,824	)
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	19,905		$	(62,490	)	$	11,670		$	(30,915	)
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Chemical			Energy			Intermodal			Total
			Logistics			Logistics
	Operating Revenues:
	Transportation		$	321,355		$	70,122		$	52,327		$	443,804
	Service revenue			50,307			5,174			34,088			89,569
	Fuel surcharge			79,944			625			12,784			93,353
	Total operating revenues			451,606			75,921			99,199			626,726
	Segment operating income			29,694			9,037			14,616			53,347
	Depreciation and amortization			8,229			3,623			2,600			14,452
	Other (income) expense			(276	)		324			(52	)		(4	)
	Operating income			21,741			5,090			12,068			38,899
	Interest expense			13,585			3,929			4,528			22,042
Interest income			(602	)		—			—			(602	)
Other (income) expense, net			(1,053	)		—			777			(276	)
Income before income taxes		$	9,811		$	1,161		$	6,763		$	17,735
-1	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitment and Contingencies	'
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had reserves in the amount of approximately $9.0 million for all environmental matters, of which the most significant are presented and discussed below.
		Number of Sites				Reserves (in millions)
		September 30,		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Multi-party sites		17		15	$	2	$	1.7
	Sole party sites:
	Bridgeport, New Jersey		1		1		4.6		4.8
	William Dick, Pennsylvania		1		1		0.7		0.7
	Other Properties		6		6		1.7		1.8
	Total		25		23	$	9	$	9

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Tables

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Operating revenues:
	Transportation	$	—		$	—		$	171,899		$	—		$	—		$	171,899
	Service revenue		—			—			32,147			22			—			32,169
	Fuel surcharge		—			—			31,603			—			—			31,603
	Total operating revenues		—			—			235,649			22			—			235,671
	Operating expenses:
	Purchased transportation		—			—			153,153			—			—			153,153
	Compensation		—			—			24,431			—			—			24,431
	Fuel, supplies and maintenance		—			—			26,212			—			—			26,212
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			6,318			—			—			6,318
	Selling and administrative		—			16			8,305			10			—			8,331
	Insurance costs		—			—			4,600			7			—			4,607
	Taxes and licenses		—			—			1,086			—			—			1,086
	Communication and utilities		—			—			930			—			—			930
	Gain on disposal of property and equipment		—			—			(142	)		(872	)		—			(1,014	)
	Operating (loss) income		—			(16	)		10,756			877			—			11,617
	Interest expense (income), non-related party, net		—			7,702			255			(2	)		—			7,955
	Interest (income) expense, related party, net		—			(7,702	)		7,784			(82	)		—			—
	Write-off of debt issuance costs		—			521			—			—			—			521
	Other expense (income), net		476			—			(548	)		(30	)		—			(102	)
	(Loss) income before income taxes		(476	)		(537	)		3,265			991			—			3,243
	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		(35	)		—			336			179			—			480
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		3,204			3,741			—			—			(6,945	)		—
	Net income	$	2,763		$	3,204		$	2,929		$	812		$	(6,945	)	$	2,763
	Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		349			349			386			(37	)		(698	)		349
	Comprehensive income	$	3,112		$	3,553		$	3,315		$	775		$	(7,643	)	$	3,112
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Operating revenues:
	Transportation	$	—		$	—		$	160,079		$	—		$	—		$	160,079
	Service revenue		—			—			31,447			103			—			31,550
	Fuel surcharge		—			—			30,449			—			—			30,449
	Total operating revenues		—			—			221,975			103			—			222,078
	Operating expenses:
	Purchased transportation		—			—			143,036			—			—			143,036
	Compensation		—			—			22,522			—			—			22,522
	Fuel, supplies and maintenance		—			—			24,085			—			—			24,085
	Depreciation and amortization		—			—			6,039			—			—			6,039
	Selling and administrative		—			8			8,228			22			—			8,258
	Insurance costs		—			—			4,374			—			—			4,374
	Taxes and licenses		—			—			807			—			—			807
	Communication and utilities		—			—			980			—			—			980
	Loss on disposal of property and equipment		—			—			360			—			—			360
	Operating (loss) income		—			(8	)		11,544			81			—			11,617
	Interest expense (income), non-related party, net		—			7,232			251			(4	)		—			7,479
	Interest (income) expense, related party, net		—			(7,232	)		7,336			(104	)		—			—
	Other income		—			—			(45	)		(67	)		—			(112	)
	(Loss) income before income taxes		—			(8	)		4,002			256			—			4,250
	(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		—			—			(4,651	)		38			—			(4,613	)
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		8,863			8,871			—			—			(17,734	)		—
	Net income	$	8,863		$	8,863		$	8,653		$	218		$	(17,734	)	$	8,863
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		317			317			388			(71	)		(634	)		317
Comprehensive income	$	9,180		$	9,180		$	9,041		$	147		$	(18,368	)	$	9,180
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
	QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Operating revenues:
Transportation	$	—		$	—		$	510,540		$	—		$	—		$	510,540
Service revenue		—			—			98,180			148			—			98,328
Fuel surcharge		—			—			95,521			—			—			95,521
Total operating revenues		—			—			704,241			148			—			704,389
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation		—			—			446,405			—			—			446,405
Compensation		—			—			76,402			—			—			76,402
Fuel, supplies and maintenance		—			—			79,550			8			—			79,558
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			19,740			—			—			19,740
Selling and administrative		—			148			23,781			36			—			23,965
Insurance costs		—			—			13,454			23			—			13,477
Taxes and licenses		—			—			3,337			—			—			3,337
Communication and utilities		—			—			2,947			—			—			2,947
Gain on disposal of property and equipment		—			—			(1,590	)		(922	)		—			(2,512	)
Impairment charges								55,692									55,692
Operating (loss) income		—			(148	)		(15,477	)		1,003			—			(14,622	)
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net		—			22,518			601			(2	)		—			23,117
Interest (income) expense, related party, net		—			(22,518	)		22,767			(249	)		—			—
Write-off of debt issuance costs		—			521			—			—			—			521
Other expense (income)		476			—			(7,884	)		63			—			(7,345	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		(476	)		(669	)		(30,961	)		1,191			—			(30,915	)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		(29	)		—			(11,878	)		232			—			(11,675	)
Equity in loss of subsidiaries		(18,793	)		(18,124	)		—			—			36,917			—
Net (loss) income	$	(19,240	)	$	(18,793	)	$	(19,083	)	$	959		$	36,917		$	(19,240	)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax		1,213			1,213			1,159			54			(2,426	)		1,213
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(18,027	)	$	(17,580	)	$	(17,924	)	$	1,013		$	34,491		$	(18,027	)
QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Unaudited—(In 000’s)
	QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
				QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
Operating revenues:
Transportation	$	—		$	—		$	443,804		$	—		$	—		$	443,804
Service revenue		—			—			89,264			305			—			89,569
Fuel surcharge		—			—			93,353			—			—			93,353
Total operating revenues		—			—			626,421			305			—			626,726
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation		—			—			417,222			—			—			417,222
Compensation		—			—			57,669			—			—			57,669
Fuel, supplies and maintenance		—			—			56,996			—			—			56,996
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			14,452			—			—			14,452
Selling and administrative		—			25			24,782			50			—			24,857
Insurance costs		—			—			11,732			—			—			11,732
Taxes and licenses		—			—			2,179			—			—			2,179
Communication and utilities		—			—			2,724			—			—			2,724
Gain on disposal of property and equipment		—			—			(4	)		—			—			(4	)
Operating (loss) income		—			(25	)		38,669			255			—			38,899
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net		—			20,959			491			(10	)		—			21,440
Interest (income) expense, related party, net		—			(20,959	)		21,271			(312	)		—			—
Other income		—			—			(218	)		(58	)		—			(276	)
(Loss) income before income taxes		—			(25	)		17,125			635			—			17,735
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes		—			—			(26,741	)		109			—			(26,632	)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries		44,367			44,392			—			—			(88,759	)		—
Net income	$	44,367		$	44,367		$	43,866		$	526		$	(88,759	)	$	44,367
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1,099			1,099			1,164			(65	)		(2,198	)		1,099
Comprehensive income	$	45,466		$	45,466		$	45,030		$	461		$	(90,957	)	$	45,466
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	September 30, 2013
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	2,365		$	897		$	—		$	3,262
	Accounts receivable, net		—			—			130,083			16			—			130,099
	Prepaid expenses		—			(17	)		12,817			30			—			12,830
	Deferred tax asset, net		—			—			20,944			—			—			20,944
	Intercompany		—			—			395,745			108			(395,853	)		—
	Other		50			—			10,710			2			—			10,762
	Total current assets		50			(17	)		572,664			1,053			(395,853	)		177,897
	Property and equipment, net		—			—			170,083			—			—			170,083
	Assets held-for-sale		—			—			1,848			—			—			1,848
	Goodwill		—			—			50,553			—			—			50,553
	Intangibles, net		—			—			35,050			—			—			35,050
	Non-current deferred tax asset, net		(2,270	)		—			22,682			—			—			20,412
	Investment in subsidiaries		(103,919	)		408,691			—			—			(304,772	)		—
	Intercompany		141,002			209,009			365,096			12,039			(727,146	)		—
	Other assets		—			8,217			992			—			—			9,209
	Total assets	$	34,863		$	625,900		$	1,218,968		$	13,092		$	(1,427,771	)	$	465,052
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current maturities of indebtedness	$	—		$	3,889		$	3,335		$	—		$	—		$	7,224
	Current maturities of capital lease obligations		—			—			1,618			—			—			1,618
	Accounts payable		—			—			9,834			(13	)		—			9,821
	Intercompany		72,715			—			323,138			—			(395,853	)		—
	Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable		—			—			18,723			—			—			18,723
	Accrued expenses		286			8,831			26,756			36			—			35,909
	Environmental liabilities		—			—			4,327			—			—			4,327
	Accrued loss and damage claims		—			—			7,960			—			—			7,960
	Total current liabilities		73,001			12,720			395,691			23			(395,853	)		85,582
	Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities		—			356,605			22,964			—			—			379,569
	Capital lease obligations, less current maturities		—			—			626			—			—			626
	Environmental liabilities		—			—			4,675			—			—			4,675
	Accrued loss and damage claims		—			—			10,143			—			—			10,143
	Intercompany		—			360,494			362,050			4,602			(727,146	)		—
	Other non-current liabilities		—			—			22,556			39			—			22,595
	Total liabilities		73,001			729,819			818,705			4,664			(1,122,999	)		503,190
	Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:
	Common stock		440,001			354,963			390,760			4,191			(749,914	)		440,001
	Treasury stock		(10,329	)		—			—			—			—			(10,329	)
	Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings		(247,707	)		(239,251	)		38,547			5,315			195,389			(247,707	)
	Stock recapitalization		(189,589	)		(189,589	)		—			(55	)		189,644			(189,589	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(30,539	)		(30,067	)		(29,044	)		(1,023	)		60,134			(30,539	)
	Stock purchase warrants		25			25			—			—			(25	)		25
	Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity		(38,138	)		(103,919	)		400,263			8,428			(304,772	)		(38,138	)
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity	$	34,863		$	625,900		$	1,218,968		$	13,092		$	(1,427,771	)	$	465,052
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2012
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	2,580		$	124		$	—		$	2,704
	Accounts receivable, net		—			—			113,863			43			—			113,906
	Prepaid expenses		—			(19	)		14,648			22			—			14,651
	Deferred tax asset, net		—			—			16,609			—			—			16,609
Intercompany		—			—			369,458			88			(369,546	)		—
Other		44			—			9,679			(29	)		—			9,694
Total current assets		44			(19	)		526,837			248			(369,546	)		157,564
Property and equipment, net		—			—			190,342			—			—			190,342
Goodwill		—			—			104,294			—			—			104,294
Intangibles, net		—			—			37,654			—			—			37,654
Non-current deferred tax asset, net		(2,300	)		—			14,013			—			—			11,713
Investment in subsidiaries		(86,339	)		425,602			—			—			(339,263	)		—
Intercompany		144,738			252,732			389,289			11,582			(798,341	)		—
Other assets		—			9,510			2,526			—			—			12,036
Total assets	$	56,143		$	687,825		$	1,264,955		$	11,830		$	(1,507,150	)	$	513,603
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of indebtedness	$	—		$	—		$	3,918		$	—		$	—		$	3,918
Current maturities of capital lease obligations		—			—			3,913			—			—			3,913
Accounts payable		—			—			9,977			(11	)		—			9,966
Intercompany		74,583			—			294,963			—			(369,546	)		—
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable		—			—			14,243			—			—			14,243
Accrued expenses		—			4,294			33,567			28			—			37,889
Environmental liabilities		—			—			2,739			—			—			2,739
Accrued loss and damage claims		—			—			7,326			—			—			7,326
Total current liabilities		74,583			4,294			370,646			17			(369,546	)		79,994
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities		—			384,935			23,915			—			—			408,850
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities		—			—			2,125			—			—			2,125
Environmental liabilities		—			—			6,302			—			—			6,302
Accrued loss and damage claims		—			—			9,494			—			—			9,494
Intercompany		—			384,935			409,053			4,353			(798,341	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		—			—			25,233			45			—			25,278
Total liabilities		74,583			774,164			846,768			4,415			(1,167,887	)		532,043
Shareholders’ (deficit) equity:
Common stock		437,192			354,963			390,760			4,191			(749,914	)		437,192
Treasury stock		(5,849	)		—			—			—			—			(5,849	)
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings		(228,467	)		(220,458	)		57,630			4,356			158,472			(228,467	)
Stock recapitalization		(189,589	)		(189,589	)		—			(55	)		189,644			(189,589	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(31,752	)		(31,280	)		(30,203	)		(1,077	)		62,560			(31,752	)
Stock purchase warrants		25			25			—			—			(25	)		25
Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity		(18,440	)		(86,339	)		418,187			7,415			(339,263	)		(18,440	)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity	$	56,143		$	687,825		$	1,264,955		$	11,830		$	(1,507,150	)	$	513,603
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	'
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income		(19,240	)	$	(18,793	)	$	(19,083	)	$	959		$	36,917		$	(19,240	)
	Adjustments for non-cash charges		21,307			(1,907	)		75,974			(1,891	)		(36,917	)		56,566
	Net changes in assets and liabilities		309			5,828			(4,100	)		(12	)		—			2,025
	Intercompany activity		(2,376	)		14,872			(14,213	)		1,717			—			—
	Net cash provided by operating activities		—			—			38,578			773			—			39,351
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		—			—			(19,156	)		—			—			(19,156	)
	Trojan purchase price adjustment		—			—			(857	)		—			—			(857	)
	Acquisition of customer list		—			—			(1,000	)		—			—			(1,000	)
	Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		—			—			17,981			—			—			17,981
	Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(3,032	)		—			—			(3,032	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		—			17,500			—			—			—			17,500
	Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			(22,500	)		(4,963	)		—			—			(27,463	)
	Proceeds from revolver		—			163,600			—			—			—			163,600
	Payments on revolver		—			(183,300	)		—			—			—			(183,300	)
	Deferred financing costs		—			(935	)		—			—			—			(935	)
	Purchases of treasury stock		(4,454	)														(4,454	)
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		311			—			—			—			—			311
	Other					—			(1,020	)		—			—			(1,020	)
	Intercompany activity		4,143			25,635			(29,778	)		—			—			—
	Net cash used in financing activities		—			—			(35,761	)		—			—			(35,761	)
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(215	)		773			—			558
	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		—			—			2,580			124			—			2,704
	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	2,365		$	897		$	—		$	3,262
	QUALITY DISTRIBUTION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Unaudited—(In 000’s)
		QDI			QD LLC and			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Eliminations			Consolidated
					QD Capital			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net income	$	44,367		$	44,367		$	43,866		$	526		$	(88,759	)	$	44,367
	Adjustments for non-cash charges		(41,993	)		(63,618	)		8,440			(312	)		88,759			(8,724	)
	Net changes in assets and liabilities		(77	)		6,375			(33,083	)		(289	)		—			(27,074	)
	Intercompany activity		(2,297	)		12,876			(10,717	)		138			—			—
	Net cash provided by operating activities		—			—			8,506			63			—			8,569
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Capital expenditures		—			—			(27,423	)		—			—			(27,423	)
	Greensville purchase price adjustment		—			—			(66	)		—			—			(66	)
	Acquisition of Trojan		—			—			(8,657	)		—			—			(8,657	)
	Acquisition of Bice		—			—			(52,176	)		—			—			(52,176	)
	Acquisition of Dunn’s		—			—			(34,321	)		—			—			(34,321	)
	Proceeds from sales of property and equipment		—			—			7,453			—			—			7,453
	Net cash used in investing activities		—			—			(115,190	)		—			—			(115,190	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		—			—			(6,335	)		—			—			(6,335	)
	Proceeds from revolver		—			179,400			—			—			—			179,400
	Payments on revolver		—			(99,200	)		—			—			—			(99,200	)
	Deferred financing costs		—			(846	)		—			—			—			(846	)
	Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs		30,493			—			—			—			—			30,493
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options		254			—			—			—			—			254
	Other		—			—			1,730			—			—			1,730
	Intercompany activity		(30,747	)		(79,354	)		110,101			—			—			—
	Net cash provided by financing activities		—			—			105,496			—			—			105,496
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		—			—			(1,188	)		63			—			(1,125	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		—			—			3,540			513			—			4,053
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	2,352		$	576		$	—		$	2,928

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Subordinated Seller Notes

Quality Common Stock

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Affiliated Entity

Dunns Tank Service And Nassau Disposal Inc

Bice

Bice

Trojan

Chemical Logistics

Chemical Logistics

Chemical Logistics

Energy Logistics

Unregistered Restricted Common Stock

Location

Transit Segment

Company Operation

Location

Location

Location

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for acquisition

$52,200,000

'

'

'

$17,100,000

'

'

'

'

$34,300,000

'

'

$8,700,000

Increase in expected operating costs

'

'

'

'

4,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price allocated to property plant and equipment

'

'

'

'

15,500,000

'

'

'

'

12,200,000

'

'

4,100,000

Purchase price allocated to goodwill

50,553,000

104,294,000

'

'

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

17,300,000

48,218,000

[1]

'

300,000

Number of terminals

'

'

'

'

'

8

4

4

1

'

'

'

'

Additional Cost of Acquisition

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

19,000,000

'

'

Date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Aug-12

1-Jun-12

'

1-Apr-12

Additional cost of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

'

'

'

Purchase price allocated to intangibles assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

'

4,300,000

Duration of Cash consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

Purchase price for acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81,400,000

'

'

Issued for acquisition

'

'

21,300,000

7,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Duration of subordinated seller notes

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate for subordinated seller notes

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unregistered restricted share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.7

'

Duration of restricted shares of quality common stock

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization period for non-compete agreements

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization period for customer related intangible assets

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional cost of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,800,000

[2]

'

$1,000,000

[1]

In the second quarter of 2013, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an impairment charge against a portion of the goodwill and wrote off the remaining unamortized balance of the acquired tradenames. Refer to Note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for additional disclosure.

[2]

In the first quarter of 2013, it was determined that the contingent consideration would not be paid. Therefore, the Company wrote off $6.8 million of contingent consideration which is recognized in our energy logistics results as a gain in "Other (income) expense net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Estimated_Fair_Values_of_Asset

Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	$50,553		$104,294
Bice	'		'
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Equipment	26,557		'
Non-compete agreements	400		'
Tradename	700	[1]	'
Customer-related intangibles	12,320		'
Goodwill	48,218	[1]	'
Contingent consideration	-6,800	[2]	'
Fair Value of Assets Acquired, Total	$81,395		'
[1]	In the second quarter of 2013, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an impairment charge against a portion of the goodwill and wrote off the remaining unamortized balance of the acquired tradenames. Refer to Note 4, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for additional disclosure.
[2]	In the first quarter of 2013, it was determined that the contingent consideration would not be paid. Therefore, the Company wrote off $6.8 million of contingent consideration which is recognized in our energy logistics results as a gain in "Other (income) expense net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Estimated_Fair_Values_of_Asset1

Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Wrote-off of Contingent consideration	$6.80

Pro_Forma_Consolidated_Results

Pro Forma Consolidated Results (Detail) (Bice, USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Bice	'		'		'		'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Operating revenues	$235,671		$222,078		$704,389		$674,763
Net income (loss)	$2,763	[1],[2],[3]	$8,863	[1],[2],[3]	($19,240)	[1],[2],[3]	$46,795	[1],[2],[3]
Income (loss) per common share-basic	$0.10		$0.32		($0.73)		$1.78
Income (loss) per common share-diluted	$0.10		$0.32		($0.73)		$1.73
[1]	Includes impairment charges of $55.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
[2]	Includes release of $4.9 million of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the three months ended September 30, 2012.
[3]	Includes release of $27.7 million in the aggregate of our deferred tax valuation allowance in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Pro_Forma_Consolidated_Results1

Pro Forma Consolidated Results (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'		'
Impairment charges	'	$55,692	[1]	'
Deferred tax valuation allowance	'	720		27,420
Bice	'	'		'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'		'
Impairment charges	'	55,700		'
Deferred tax valuation allowance	$4,900	'		$27,700
[1]	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Variable_Interest_Entities_Add

Variable Interest Entities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Entity
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Holding variable interest in number of VIEs	1
VIE dry bulk business	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Aggregated loans receivable	3

Carrying_Value_and_Fair_Value_

Carrying Value and Fair Value of Long-Term Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Senior Secured Notes	$202,500
Fair Value	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Senior Secured Notes	$220,725

Carrying_Value_and_Fair_Value_1

Carrying Value and Fair Value of Long-Term Indebtedness (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'
Senior Secured Notes, due date	'2018
Senior Secured Notes, Interest rate	9.88%

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	$55,171,000	'	'
Intangibles, net	35,050,000	'	35,050,000	'	37,654,000
Amortization expense	1,000,000	1,100,000	3,100,000	2,200,000	'
Energy Logistics	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangibles, net	19,400,000	'	19,400,000	'	20,900,000
Energy Logistics | Tradename	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charge related to intangible assets	'	'	500,000	'	'
Intermodal	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangibles, net	15,600,000	'	15,600,000	'	16,600,000
Chemical Logistics	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangibles, net	100,000	'	100,000	'	200,000
Operating Segments | Energy Logistics	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charges	'	'	55,171,000	'	'
Impairment charge related to intangible assets	'	'	$500,000	'	'

Goodwill_within_Segments_Detai

Goodwill within Segments (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
		Operating Segments	Operating Segments	Operating Segments	Operating Segments	Operating Segments
		Energy Logistics	Intermodal	Intermodal	Chemical Logistics	Chemical Logistics
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$104,294	$71,339	$31,410	$31,410	$1,545	$1,545
Purchase price adjustment	1,430	1,430	'	'	'	'
Impairment	-55,171	-55,171	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	$50,553	$17,598	$31,410	$31,410	$1,545	$1,545

Intangible_Assets_Detail

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Book Value	$47,341	$24,881
Additions	1,000	22,460
Impairment	-521	'
Accumulated Amortization	-12,770	-9,687
Net Book Value	27,650	'
Net Book Value	35,050	37,654
Intermodal	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Book Value	15,600	16,600
Energy Logistics	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Net Book Value	19,400	20,900
Tradename | Intermodal	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Book Value	7,400	7,400
Net Book Value	7,400	7,400
Intangible assets useful life	'Indefinite	'Indefinite
Tradename | Energy Logistics	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Book Value	1,100	'
Additions	'	1,100
Impairment	-521	'
Accumulated Amortization	-579	-304
Net Book Value	'	796
Intangible assets useful life	'	'2 years
Customer relationships	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Book Value	33,410	14,260
Additions	1,000	19,150
Accumulated Amortization	-8,660	-6,292
Net Book Value	25,750	27,118
Customer relationships | Minimum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets useful life	'10 years	'10 years
Customer relationships | Maximum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets useful life	'12 years	'12 years
Non-compete agreements	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Book Value	4,311	3,221
Additions	'	1,090
Accumulated Amortization	-3,378	-3,015
Net Book Value	933	1,296
Non-compete agreements | Minimum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets useful life	'3 years	'3 years
Non-compete agreements | Maximum	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Intangible assets useful life	'6 years	'6 years
Service Agreements	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Book Value	1,120	'
Additions	'	1,120
Accumulated Amortization	-153	-76
Net Book Value	$967	$1,044
Intangible assets useful life	'11 years	'11 years

Estimated_Amortization_Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets Goodwill And Other Assets [Line Items]	'
2013 remaining	$894
2014	3,534
2015	3,534
2016	3,530
2017	3,454
2018 and after	12,704
Total	$27,650

Longterm_Indebtedness_Addition

Long-term Indebtedness - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 14, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 14, 2013	Jun. 14, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Term Loan Facility	Term Loan Facility	Term Loan Facility	Term Loan Facility	Nine Point Eight Seven Five Percent Second Priority Senior Secured Notes Due Twenty Eighteen	Nine Point Eight Seven Five Percent Second Priority Senior Secured Notes Due Twenty Eighteen
					Base Rate	LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	$17,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, interest rate	'	'	'Borrowings under the Term Loan bear interest at a margin equal to 2.50% for base rate borrowings and 3.50% for LIBOR borrowings, with a potential step-down of 0.25% after 18 months if a senior secured leverage ratio is met.	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	2.50%	3.50%	'	'
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate potential increase (decrease)	'	'	-0.25%	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	'	'	14-Jun-16	'	'	'	'	'
Long term debt	'	'	'	17,500,000	'	'	'	202,500,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	'	'	'	3.70%	'	'	'	'
Debt issuance costs	'	'	'	500,000	'	'	'	'
Interest rate	9.88%	9.88%	'	'	'	'	9.88%	'
Maturity Year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2018	'
Aggregate principal amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,500,000	'
Debt instrument, redemption description	'	'	'	'	'	'	'The redemption price for these 2018 Notes equaled 100% of the aggregate principal amount of $22.5 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest up to the redemption date, plus a 3.0% premium of $0.7 million.	'
Debt instrument, redemption price	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'
Debt instrument redemption percentage of premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.00%	'
Debt instrument premium	'	'	'	'	'	'	700,000	'
Write-off of debt issuance costs	$521,000	$521,000	'	'	'	'	'	$500,000

Reconciliation_of_Numerators_a

Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net loss (numerator)	$2,763	$8,863	($19,240)	$44,367
Net income (numerator), diluted	$2,763	$8,863	($19,240)	$44,367
Shares (denominator)	26,463	27,368	26,516	26,243
Weighted Average Shares, Diluted	27,146	28,089	26,516	27,057
Basic income available to common shareholders, Per-share amount	$0.10	$0.32	($0.73)	$1.69
Diluted income available to common shareholders, Per-share amount	$0.10	$0.32	($0.73)	$1.64
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Shares (denominator)	517	556	'	628
Unvested restricted stock	'	'	'	'
Shares (denominator)	157	156	'	172
Stock warrants	'	'	'	'
Shares (denominator)	9	9	'	14

Summary_of_Antidilutive_Securi

Summary of Antidilutive Securities Not Included in Calculation of Diluted Income Per Share (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,914	1,808	1,970	1,737
Unvested restricted shares and stock units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	282	268	327	253

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Minimum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting term	'2 years
Maximum	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting term	'4 years

Unrecognized_StockBased_Compen

Unrecognized Stock-Based Compensation and Weighted Average Period over Which Such Stock-Based Compensation is Expected to be Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation, Stock options	2,285
Unrecognized stock based compensation, Restricted shares and stock units	1,913
Total unrecognized stock based compensation	4,198
Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weighted average period, Stock options and Restricted stock	'2 years 6 months
Unvested restricted stock	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Weighted average period, Stock options and Restricted stock	'2 years 7 months 6 days

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
	CompensationPlan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of noncontributory defined benefit plans	2
Pension plan contribution by Company	$2.30
Expected contribution during the remainder of the 2013	0.6
Number of employer pension plans	3
Multi-employer pension employee percentage	2.50%
Contingent liability	84.8
Central States Southeast And Southwest Areas Pension Plan	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contingent liability	$79.80

Components_of_Estimated_Net_Pe

Components of Estimated Net Periodic Pension Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$41	$44	$124	$132
Interest cost	463	542	1,390	1,626
Amortization of prior service cost	24	23	71	70
Amortization of loss	362	365	1,088	1,094
Expected return on plan assets	-584	-565	-1,753	-1,696
Net periodic pension cost	$306	$409	$920	$1,226

Components_and_Changes_to_Accu

Components and Changes to Accumulated other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	($31,752)	'
Net gain on foreign currency translation, net of tax	'	'	54	-65
Ending balance	-30,539	-30,282	-30,539	-30,282
Foreign currency translation	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-1,089	-1,131	-1,180	-1,137
Net gain on foreign currency translation, net of tax	-37	-71	54	-65
Ending balance	-1,126	-1,202	-1,126	-1,202
Pension benefits	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	-29,799	-29,468	-30,572	-30,244
Amortization of prior service cost	24	23	71	70
Amortization of gain	362	365	1,088	1,094
Ending balance	($29,413)	($29,080)	($29,413)	($29,080)

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Facility
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Termination of non-driver positions	380	'
Accrued restructuring charges	$1,708	$2,149
Maximum	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued related to restructuring charges, expected payment year	'2017	'

Restructuring_Accrual_Activity

Restructuring Accrual Activity (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance	$2,149
Additions	155
Payments	-392
Reductions	-204
Balance	$1,708

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Entity
	Segment
Chemical Logistics	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of reportable business segments	3
Independent affiliates	26
Energy Logistics	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Independent affiliates	3

Summarized_Segment_Data_and_Re

Summarized Segment Data and Reconciliation to Income before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	$171,899	$160,079	$510,540		$443,804
Service revenue	32,169	31,550	98,328		89,569
Fuel surcharge	31,603	30,449	95,521		93,353
Total operating revenues	235,671	222,078	704,389		626,726
Operating income (loss)	11,617	11,617	-14,622		38,899
Depreciation and amortization	6,318	6,039	19,740		14,452
Other (income) expense	-1,014	360	-2,512		-4
Interest expense	8,169	7,673	23,776		22,042
Interest income	-214	-194	-659		-602
Other (income) expense, net	419	-112	-6,824		-276
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,243	4,250	-30,915		17,735
Impairment charges	'	'	55,692	[1]	'
Total Operating Segments	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Operating income (loss)	16,921	18,016	58,298		53,347
Operating Segments | Chemical Logistics	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	112,704	107,773	334,978		321,355
Service revenue	17,546	17,414	50,861		50,307
Fuel surcharge	27,049	26,252	81,500		79,944
Total operating revenues	157,299	151,439	467,339		451,606
Operating income (loss)	8,665	6,855	25,920		21,741
Depreciation and amortization	2,861	2,795	8,754		8,229
Other (income) expense	-2,647	68	-5,815		-276
Interest expense	2,577	2,350	7,397		13,585
Interest income	-214	-194	-659		-602
Other (income) expense, net	226	-373	-723		-1,053
(Loss) income before income taxes	6,076	5,072	19,905		9,811
Operating Segments | Energy Logistics	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	40,819	35,144	120,321		70,122
Service revenue	2,264	3,043	8,685		5,174
Fuel surcharge	'	299	273		625
Total operating revenues	43,083	38,486	129,279		75,921
Operating income (loss)	-1,819	1,380	-57,441		5,090
Depreciation and amortization	2,603	2,359	8,496		3,623
Other (income) expense	1,648	302	3,244		324
Interest expense	4,077	3,815	11,849		3,929
Other (income) expense, net	'	'	-6,800		'
(Loss) income before income taxes	-5,896	-2,435	-62,490		1,161
Impairment charges	'	'	55,692	[1]	'
Operating Segments | Intermodal	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	18,376	17,162	55,241		52,327
Service revenue	12,359	11,093	38,782		34,088
Fuel surcharge	4,554	3,898	13,748		12,784
Total operating revenues	35,289	32,153	107,771		99,199
Operating income (loss)	4,771	3,382	16,899		12,068
Depreciation and amortization	854	885	2,490		2,600
Other (income) expense	-15	-10	59		-52
Interest expense	1,515	1,508	4,530		4,528
Other (income) expense, net	193	261	699		777
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,063	1,613	11,670		6,763
Operating Segments | Total Operating Segments | Chemical Logistics	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Operating income (loss)	8,879	9,718	28,859		29,694
Operating Segments | Total Operating Segments | Energy Logistics	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Operating income (loss)	2,432	4,041	9,991		9,037
Operating Segments | Total Operating Segments | Intermodal	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Operating income (loss)	$5,610	$4,257	$19,448		$14,616
[1]	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Summarized_Segment_Data_and_Re1

Summarized Segment Data and Reconciliation to Income before Income Taxes (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Impairment charge related to goodwill	$55,171,000
Energy Logistics | Operating Segments	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Impairment charge related to goodwill	55,171,000
Impairment charge related to intangible assets	$500,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefit	$1.70	'	$1.70	'	$1.70
Unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in any future periods	'	'	'	'	1
Unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months due to expiration of the applicable statute of limitations	'	'	'	'	0.1
Net of federal tax benefit accrued for interest	'	'	'	'	0.4
Accrued for penalties	0.7	'	0.7	'	0.2
Effective tax rate for tax provision	14.80%	14.80%	37.80%	37.80%	'
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, maximum tax benefit rate	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	'
Change in valuation allowance resulted in effective tax rate to be different from statutory rate	'	4.9	'	27.7	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net changes to gross unrecognized tax benefits	($0.10)	'	'	'	'

Common_Stock_Offering_Addition

Common Stock Offering - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 13, 2012
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'
Common stock sold in an underwritten public offering	2,500
Gross price per share	$13
Proceed from sale of common stock	$30.50
Apollo Management, L.P.	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'
Common stock sold in an underwritten public offering	3,200

Share_Repurchase_Program_Addit

Share Repurchase Program - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 20, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchase of common stock value	'	$4,454,000
Share Repurchase Program	'	'
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchase of common stock value	15,000,000	'
Repurchase of common stock shares	'	1,200
Repurchase of common stock value	'	$8,100,000

Commitment_and_Contingencies_A

Commitment and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Site	Location
	Location
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	$9	$9
Number of Sites	25	23
Multi-party sites	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	2	1.7
Future expenditure for environmental matters	'5 years	'
Number of Sites	17	15
Number of Sites with alleged liability	17	'
Participating party in the initial study	1	'
Number of sites,explicitly denied any liability	2	'
Number of sites,received a notice about potential liability	4	'
Explicitly Denied liabilities	17	'
Multi-party sites | Minimum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	2	'
Multi-party sites | Maximum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	3.8	'
Sole party sites	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	7	'
Period of future expenditure	'5 years	'
Responsible Party for the process of conducting investigation	8	'
Sole party sites | Minimum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	7	'
Sole party sites | Maximum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	16.7	'
Bridgeport, New Jersey	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	4.6	'
Future expenditure for environmental matters	'5 years	'
Percentage of design stage of project entered	95.00%	'
Bridgeport, New Jersey | Minimum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	4.6	'
Bridgeport, New Jersey | Maximum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	8.5	'
William Dick, Pennsylvania	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	0.7	'
Future expenditure for environmental matters	'5 years	'
William Dick, Pennsylvania | Minimum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	0.7	'
William Dick, Pennsylvania | Maximum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	3.4	'
ISRA New Jersey Facilities	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	1.7	'
Future expenditure for environmental matters	'5 years	'
ISRA New Jersey Facilities | Minimum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	1.7	'
ISRA New Jersey Facilities | Maximum	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated future expenditure	4.8	'
Environmental Matters	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	$9	$9
Future expenditure for environmental matters	'5 years	'

Commitment_and_contingencies_D

Commitment and contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Site	Location
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Sites	25	23
Reserves	$9	$9
Multi-party sites	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Sites	17	15
Reserves	2	1.7
Sole party sites	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Reserves	7	'
Sole party sites | Bridgeport, New Jersey	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Sites	1	1
Reserves	4.6	4.8
Sole party sites | William Dick, Pennsylvania	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Sites	1	1
Reserves	0.7	0.7
Sole party sites | Other Properties	'	'
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of Sites	6	6
Reserves	$1.70	$1.80

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'
Aggregate maximum exposure under lease guarantees	$0.10
Aggregate maximum exposure under lease guarantees	$2.90
Percentage of remaining losses related to independent owner operators	50.00%

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Additio

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes, maturity date	'2018
Qd Llc	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership by QDI	100.00%
QD LLC and QD Capital	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership by QDI	100.00%
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Equity investment method, ownership interest	100.00%

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	$171,899	$160,079	$510,540		$443,804
Service revenue	32,169	31,550	98,328		89,569
Fuel surcharge	31,603	30,449	95,521		93,353
Total operating revenues	235,671	222,078	704,389		626,726
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Purchased transportation	153,153	143,036	446,405		417,222
Compensation	24,431	22,522	76,402		57,669
Fuel, supplies and maintenance	26,212	24,085	79,558		56,996
Depreciation and amortization	6,318	6,039	19,740		14,452
Selling and administrative	8,331	8,258	23,965		24,857
Insurance costs	4,607	4,374	13,477		11,732
Taxes and licenses	1,086	807	3,337		2,179
Communication and utilities	930	980	2,947		2,724
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-1,014	360	-2,512		-4
Impairment charges	'	'	55,692	[1]	'
Operating (loss) income	11,617	11,617	-14,622		38,899
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net	7,955	7,479	23,117		21,440
Interest (income) expense, related party, net	-214	-194	-659		-602
Write-off of debt issuance costs	521	'	521		'
Other expense (income), net	-102	-112	-7,345		-276
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,243	4,250	-30,915		17,735
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	480	-4,613	-11,675		-26,632
Net (loss) income	2,763	8,863	-19,240		44,367
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	349	317	1,213		1,099
Comprehensive (loss) income	3,112	9,180	-18,027		45,466
QDI	'	'	'		'
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Impairment charges	'	'	'		'
Other expense (income), net	476	'	476		'
(Loss) income before income taxes	-476	'	-476		'
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	-35	'	-29		'
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	3,204	8,863	-18,793		44,367
Net (loss) income	2,763	8,863	-19,240		44,367
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	349	317	1,213		1,099
Comprehensive (loss) income	3,112	9,180	-18,027		45,466
QD LLC and QD Capital	'	'	'		'
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Selling and administrative	16	8	148		25
Impairment charges	'	'	'		'
Operating (loss) income	-16	-8	-148		-25
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net	7,702	7,232	22,518		20,959
Interest (income) expense, related party, net	-7,702	-7,232	-22,518		-20,959
Write-off of debt issuance costs	521	'	521		'
(Loss) income before income taxes	-537	-8	-669		-25
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	3,741	8,871	-18,124		44,392
Net (loss) income	3,204	8,863	-18,793		44,367
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	349	317	1,213		1,099
Comprehensive (loss) income	3,553	9,180	-17,580		45,466
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Transportation	171,899	160,079	510,540		443,804
Service revenue	32,147	31,447	98,180		89,264
Fuel surcharge	31,603	30,449	95,521		93,353
Total operating revenues	235,649	221,975	704,241		626,421
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Purchased transportation	153,153	143,036	446,405		417,222
Compensation	24,431	22,522	76,402		57,669
Fuel, supplies and maintenance	26,212	24,085	79,550		56,996
Depreciation and amortization	6,318	6,039	19,740		14,452
Selling and administrative	8,305	8,228	23,781		24,782
Insurance costs	4,600	4,374	13,454		11,732
Taxes and licenses	1,086	807	3,337		2,179
Communication and utilities	930	980	2,947		2,724
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-142	360	-1,590		-4
Impairment charges	'	'	55,692		'
Operating (loss) income	10,756	11,544	-15,477		38,669
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net	255	251	601		491
Interest (income) expense, related party, net	7,784	7,336	22,767		21,271
Other expense (income), net	-548	-45	-7,884		-218
(Loss) income before income taxes	3,265	4,002	-30,961		17,125
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	336	-4,651	-11,878		-26,741
Net (loss) income	2,929	8,653	-19,083		43,866
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	386	388	1,159		1,164
Comprehensive (loss) income	3,315	9,041	-17,924		45,030
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'		'
OPERATING REVENUES:	'	'	'		'
Service revenue	22	103	148		305
Total operating revenues	22	103	148		305
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Fuel, supplies and maintenance	'	'	8		'
Selling and administrative	10	22	36		50
Insurance costs	7	'	23		'
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	-872	'	-922		'
Impairment charges	'	'	'		'
Operating (loss) income	877	81	1,003		255
Interest expense (income), non-related party, net	-2	-4	-2		-10
Interest (income) expense, related party, net	-82	-104	-249		-312
Other expense (income), net	-30	-67	63		-58
(Loss) income before income taxes	991	256	1,191		635
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	179	38	232		109
Net (loss) income	812	218	959		526
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-37	-71	54		-65
Comprehensive (loss) income	775	147	1,013		461
Eliminations	'	'	'		'
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'		'
Impairment charges	'	'	'		'
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	-6,945	-17,734	36,917		-88,759
Net (loss) income	-6,945	-17,734	36,917		-88,759
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-698	-634	-2,426		-2,198
Comprehensive (loss) income	($7,643)	($18,368)	$34,491		($90,957)
[1]	Includes an impairment charge of $55.2 million of goodwill and $0.5 million of intangible assets related to our energy logistics segment.

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,262	$2,704	$2,928	$4,053
Accounts receivable, net	130,099	113,906	'	'
Prepaid expenses	12,830	14,651	'	'
Deferred tax asset, net	20,944	16,609	'	'
Other	10,762	9,694	'	'
Total current assets	177,897	157,564	'	'
Property and equipment, net	170,083	190,342	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	1,848	'	'	'
Goodwill	50,553	104,294	'	'
Intangibles, net	35,050	37,654	'	'
Non-current deferred tax asset, net	20,412	11,713	'	'
Other assets	9,209	12,036	'	'
Total assets	465,052	513,603	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of indebtedness	7,224	3,918	'	'
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	1,618	3,913	'	'
Accounts payable	9,821	9,966	'	'
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable	18,723	14,243	'	'
Accrued expenses	35,909	37,889	'	'
Environmental liabilities	4,327	2,739	'	'
Accrued loss and damage claims	7,960	7,326	'	'
Total current liabilities	85,582	79,994	'	'
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities	379,569	408,850	'	'
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	626	2,125	'	'
Environmental liabilities	4,675	6,302	'	'
Accrued loss and damage claims	10,143	9,494	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	22,595	25,278	'	'
Total liabilities	503,190	532,043	'	'
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	440,001	437,192	'	'
Treasury stock	-10,329	-5,849	'	'
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings	-247,707	-228,467	'	'
Stock recapitalization	-189,589	-189,589	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-30,539	-31,752	-30,282	'
Stock purchase warrants	25	25	'	'
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	-38,138	-18,440	-19,744	-106,185
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	465,052	513,603	'	'
QDI	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Other	50	44	'	'
Total current assets	50	44	'	'
Non-current deferred tax asset, net	-2,270	-2,300	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-103,919	-86,339	'	'
Intercompany	141,002	144,738	'	'
Total assets	34,863	56,143	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany	72,715	74,583	'	'
Accrued expenses	286	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	73,001	74,583	'	'
Total liabilities	73,001	74,583	'	'
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	440,001	437,192	'	'
Treasury stock	-10,329	-5,849	'	'
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings	-247,707	-228,467	'	'
Stock recapitalization	-189,589	-189,589	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-30,539	-31,752	'	'
Stock purchase warrants	25	25	'	'
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	-38,138	-18,440	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	34,863	56,143	'	'
QD LLC and QD Capital	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses	-17	-19	'	'
Total current assets	-17	-19	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	408,691	425,602	'	'
Intercompany	209,009	252,732	'	'
Other assets	8,217	9,510	'	'
Total assets	625,900	687,825	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of indebtedness	3,889	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	8,831	4,294	'	'
Total current liabilities	12,720	4,294	'	'
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities	356,605	384,935	'	'
Intercompany	360,494	384,935	'	'
Total liabilities	729,819	774,164	'	'
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	354,963	354,963	'	'
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings	-239,251	-220,458	'	'
Stock recapitalization	-189,589	-189,589	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-30,067	-31,280	'	'
Stock purchase warrants	25	25	'	'
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	-103,919	-86,339	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	625,900	687,825	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,365	2,580	2,352	3,540
Accounts receivable, net	130,083	113,863	'	'
Prepaid expenses	12,817	14,648	'	'
Deferred tax asset, net	20,944	16,609	'	'
Intercompany	395,745	369,458	'	'
Other	10,710	9,679	'	'
Total current assets	572,664	526,837	'	'
Property and equipment, net	170,083	190,342	'	'
Assets held-for-sale	1,848	'	'	'
Goodwill	50,553	104,294	'	'
Intangibles, net	35,050	37,654	'	'
Non-current deferred tax asset, net	22,682	14,013	'	'
Intercompany	365,096	389,289	'	'
Other assets	992	2,526	'	'
Total assets	1,218,968	1,264,955	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Current maturities of indebtedness	3,335	3,918	'	'
Current maturities of capital lease obligations	1,618	3,913	'	'
Accounts payable	9,834	9,977	'	'
Intercompany	323,138	294,963	'	'
Independent affiliates and independent owner-operators payable	18,723	14,243	'	'
Accrued expenses	26,756	33,567	'	'
Environmental liabilities	4,327	2,739	'	'
Accrued loss and damage claims	7,960	7,326	'	'
Total current liabilities	395,691	370,646	'	'
Long-term indebtedness, less current maturities	22,964	23,915	'	'
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities	626	2,125	'	'
Environmental liabilities	4,675	6,302	'	'
Accrued loss and damage claims	10,143	9,494	'	'
Intercompany	362,050	409,053	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	22,556	25,233	'	'
Total liabilities	818,705	846,768	'	'
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	390,760	390,760	'	'
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings	38,547	57,630	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-29,044	-30,203	'	'
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	400,263	418,187	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	1,218,968	1,264,955	'	'
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	897	124	576	513
Accounts receivable, net	16	43	'	'
Prepaid expenses	30	22	'	'
Intercompany	108	88	'	'
Other	2	-29	'	'
Total current assets	1,053	248	'	'
Intercompany	12,039	11,582	'	'
Total assets	13,092	11,830	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	-13	-11	'	'
Accrued expenses	36	28	'	'
Total current liabilities	23	17	'	'
Intercompany	4,602	4,353	'	'
Other non-current liabilities	39	45	'	'
Total liabilities	4,664	4,415	'	'
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	4,191	4,191	'	'
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings	5,315	4,356	'	'
Stock recapitalization	-55	-55	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,023	-1,077	'	'
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	8,428	7,415	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	13,092	11,830	'	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany	-395,853	-369,546	'	'
Total current assets	-395,853	-369,546	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	-304,772	-339,263	'	'
Intercompany	-727,146	-798,341	'	'
Total assets	-1,427,771	-1,507,150	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Intercompany	-395,853	-369,546	'	'
Total current liabilities	-395,853	-369,546	'	'
Intercompany	-727,146	-798,341	'	'
Total liabilities	-1,122,999	-1,167,887	'	'
Shareholders' (deficit) equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock	-749,914	-749,914	'	'
Accumulated (deficit) retained earnings	195,389	158,472	'	'
Stock recapitalization	189,644	189,644	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	60,134	62,560	'	'
Stock purchase warrants	-25	-25	'	'
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	-304,772	-339,263	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' (deficit) equity	($1,427,771)	($1,507,150)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($19,240)	$44,367
Adjustments for non-cash charges	56,566	-8,724
Net changes in assets and liabilities	2,025	-27,074
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities	39,351	8,569
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-19,156	-27,423
Acquisition of customer list	-1,000	'
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	17,981	7,453
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,032	-115,190
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	17,500	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-27,463	-6,335
Proceeds from revolver	163,600	179,400
Payments on revolver	-183,300	-99,200
Deferred financing costs	-935	-846
Purchases of treasury stock	-4,454	'
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs	'	30,493
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	311	254
Other	-1,020	1,730
Net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by financing activities	-35,761	105,496
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	558	-1,125
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,704	4,053
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	3,262	2,928
Trojan	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchase price adjustment	-857	'
Acquisition of business	'	-8,657
Greensville	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchase price adjustment	'	-66
Bice	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisition of business	'	-52,176
Dunn's	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisition of business	'	-34,321
QDI	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	-19,240	44,367
Adjustments for non-cash charges	21,307	-41,993
Net changes in assets and liabilities	309	-77
Intercompany activity	-2,376	-2,297
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of treasury stock	-4,454	'
Proceeds from equity offering, net of transaction costs	'	30,493
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	311	254
Intercompany activity	4,143	-30,747
QD LLC and QD Capital	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	-18,793	44,367
Adjustments for non-cash charges	-1,907	-63,618
Net changes in assets and liabilities	5,828	6,375
Intercompany activity	14,872	12,876
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	17,500	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-22,500	'
Proceeds from revolver	163,600	179,400
Payments on revolver	-183,300	-99,200
Deferred financing costs	-935	-846
Intercompany activity	25,635	-79,354
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	-19,083	43,866
Adjustments for non-cash charges	75,974	8,440
Net changes in assets and liabilities	-4,100	-33,083
Intercompany activity	-14,213	-10,717
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities	38,578	8,506
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-19,156	-27,423
Acquisition of customer list	-1,000	'
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	17,981	7,453
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,032	-115,190
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-4,963	-6,335
Other	-1,020	1,730
Intercompany activity	-29,778	110,101
Net cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by financing activities	-35,761	105,496
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-215	-1,188
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,580	3,540
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	2,365	2,352
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Trojan	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchase price adjustment	-857	'
Acquisition of business	'	-8,657
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Greensville	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchase price adjustment	'	-66
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Bice	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisition of business	'	-52,176
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Dunn's	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisition of business	'	-34,321
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	959	526
Adjustments for non-cash charges	-1,891	-312
Net changes in assets and liabilities	-12	-289
Intercompany activity	1,717	138
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by operating activities	773	63
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	773	63
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	124	513
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	897	576
Eliminations	'	'
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net (loss) income	36,917	-88,759
Adjustments for non-cash charges	($36,917)	$88,759