| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 01, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 1, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | US XPRESS ENTERPRISES INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity File Number | 001-38528 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-1378182 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4080 Jenkins Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chattanooga |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37421 |
| City Area Code | 423 |
| Local Phone Number | 510-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000923571 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | USX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
