Covenant Logistics (CVLG) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	6-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	928658
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Common Class A [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		15,906,043
Common Class B [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,350,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$16,290,000	$21,330,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,803 in 2015 and $1,767 in 2014	77,507,000	95,943,000
Drivers' advances and other receivables, net of allowance of $1,305 in 2015 and $1,290 in 2014	5,743,000	5,770,000
Inventory and supplies	4,318,000	4,402,000
Prepaid expenses	7,269,000	9,028,000
Assets held for sale	1,276,000	4,268,000
Deferred income taxes	14,330,000	14,713,000
Income taxes receivable	5,591,000	1,309,000
Total current assets	132,324,000	156,763,000
Property and equipment, at cost	510,992,000	505,345,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-130,497,000	-122,854,000
Net property and equipment	380,495,000	382,491,000
Other assets, net	15,959,000	14,763,000
Total assets	528,778,000	554,017,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	10,257,000	9,623,000
Accrued expenses	31,743,000	39,470,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	23,482,000	27,824,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations	1,723,000	1,606,000
Current portion of insurance and claims accrual	18,296,000	17,565,000
Other short-term liabilities	10,527,000	7,999,000
Total current liabilities	96,028,000	104,087,000
Long-term debt	131,079,000	159,531,000
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations	14,142,000	13,372,000
Insurance and claims accrual	23,679,000	23,173,000
Deferred income taxes	73,587,000	73,717,000
Other long-term liabilities	9,505,000	10,933,000
Total liabilities	348,020,000	384,813,000
Stockholders' equity:
Total stockholders' equity	180,758,000	169,204,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	528,778,000	554,017,000
Common Class A [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	170,000	168,000
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	24,000	24,000
Additional paid-in-capital	142,185,000	141,248,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-12,713,000	-13,101,000
Retained earnings	$51,092,000	$40,865,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Cu1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable allowance (in Dollars)	$1,803	$1,767
Drivers' advances and other receivables, allowance (in Dollars)	$1,305	$1,290
Common Class A [Member]
Par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Shares issued	15,890,248	15,746,609
Shares Outstanding	15,890,248	15,746,609
Common Class B [Member]
Par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Shares issued	2,350,000	2,350,000
Shares Outstanding	2,350,000	2,350,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Freight revenue	$143,335	$126,244
Fuel surcharge revenue	23,881	34,713
Total revenue	167,216	160,957
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages, and related expenses	58,253	52,874
Fuel expense	31,894	43,176
Operations and maintenance	10,797	12,031
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation	23,208	25,335
Operating taxes and licenses	2,661	2,745
Insurance and claims	10,769	6,106
Communications and utilities	1,527	1,437
General supplies and expenses	3,682	3,809
Depreciation and amortization, including gains and losses on disposition of property and equipment	14,382	13,090
Total operating expenses	157,173	160,603
Operating income	10,043	354
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense	2,204	2,751
Interest income		-4
Other expenses, net	2,204	2,747
Equity in income of affiliate	1,385	800
Income (loss) before income taxes	9,224	-1,593
Income tax benefit	-1,003	-219
Net income (loss)	$10,227	($1,374)
Income (loss) per share:
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in Dollars per share)	$0.56	($0.09)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in Shares)	18,145	14,915
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in Shares)	18,307	14,915

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	$10,227	($1,374)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on effective portion of fuel hedges, net of tax of $1,063 and $521 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	-1,712	-846
Reclassification of fuel hedge loss (gain) into statement of operations, net of tax of $1,304 and $105 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	2,100	-168
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	388	-1,014
Comprehensive income (loss)	$10,615	($2,388)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
UnrP5alizP5d gain on P5ffP5ctivP5 portion of fuP5l hP5dgP5s, tax	$1,063	$521
RP5classification of fuP5l hP5dgP5 gains into statP5mP5nt of opP5rations, tax	$1,304	$105

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$168	$24	$141,248	($13,101)	$40,865	$169,204
Net income					10,227	10,227
Other comprehensive income				388		388
Exercise of stock options	1		764			765
Stock-based employee compensation expense	1		284			285
Issuance of restricted shares			-1,762			-1,762
Income tax benefit arising from restricted share vesting and option exercises			1,651			1,651
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$170	$24	$142,185	($12,713)	$51,092	$180,758

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net income (loss)	$10,227	($1,374)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	90	93
Deferred gain on sales to equity method investee	66	34
Depreciation and amortization	14,506	12,608
Gain (loss) on disposition of property and equipment	-124	482
Amortization of deferred financing fees	65	61
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,662	-345
Income tax benefit arising from restricted share vesting and option exercise	-1,651
Unrealized (gain) loss on ineffective portion of fuel hedges	-340	85
Return of cash collateral on fuel hedge	2,100
Stock-based compensation expense	285	3
Equity in income of affiliate	-1,385	-800
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables and advances	14,091	-112
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,801	1,410
Inventory and supplies	84	-36
Insurance and claims accrual	1,237	-294
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-7,961	-611
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	34,753	11,204
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	-18,264	-17,744
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment	11,042	19,920
Net cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities	-7,222	2,176
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in checks outstanding in excess of bank balances		735
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable	5,098	9,766
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	765
Income tax benefit arising from restricted share vesting and option exercise	1,651
Repayments of notes payable	-37,892	-24,685
Repayments of capital lease obligations	-431	-732
Proceeds under revolving credit facility, net		12,291
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation	-1,762	-67
Debt refinancing costs		-33
Net cash used in financing activities	-32,571	-2,725
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-5,040	10,655
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	21,330	9,263
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$16,290	$19,918

Note_1_Significant_Accounting_

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1.   Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. References in this report to "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. In preparing financial statements, it is necessary for management to make assumptions and estimates affecting the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. These estimates and assumptions are developed based upon all information available. Actual results could differ from estimated amounts. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented, such adjustments being of a normal recurring nature.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2014, condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from our audited balance sheet as of that date. The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal trends when measured on a quarterly basis; therefore operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Results of operations in interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year.

Note_2_Income_Per_Share

Note 2 - Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 2.   Income Per Share
	Basic income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. The calculation of diluted income per share includes all unexercised options and excludes a de minimis number of unvested shares since the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would be anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Income per share is the same for both Class A and Class B shares.
	The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the calculation of net income (loss) per share included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:
	(in thousands except per share data)	Three Months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	10,227	$	(1,374	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares		18,145		14,915
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted stock		147		-
	Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options		15		-
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		18,307		14,915
	Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:	$	0.56	$	(0.09	)

Note_3_Segment_Information

Note 3 - Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3.   Segment Information
	As previously discussed, we have one reportable segment, our asset-based truckload services or Truckload. Our other operations consist of several operating segments, which neither individually nor in the aggregate meet the quantitative or qualitative reporting thresholds. As a result, these operations are grouped in "Other" in the tables below.
	The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Substantially all intersegment sales prices are market based. We evaluate performance based on operating income of the respective business units.
	"Unallocated Corporate Overhead" includes expenses that are incidental to our activities and are not specifically allocated to one of the segments.
	The following table summarizes our segment information:
	(in thousands)	Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Total Revenues:
	Truckload	$	157,250		$	150,254
	Other		9,966			10,703
	Total	$	167,216		$	160,957
	Operating Income (Loss):
	Truckload	$	14,131		$	451
	Other		337			541
	Unallocated Corporate Overhead		(4,425	)		(638	)
	Total	$	10,043		$	354

Note_4_Income_Taxes

Note 4 - Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4.    Income Taxes
	Income tax expense varies from the amount computed by applying the federal corporate income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal income tax effect, adjusted for permanent differences, the most significant of which is the effect of the per diem pay structure for drivers.  Drivers who meet the requirements and elect to receive per diem are generally required to receive non-taxable per diem pay in lieu of a portion of their taxable wages.  This per diem program increases our drivers' net pay per mile, after taxes, while decreasing gross pay, before taxes.  As a result, salaries, wages, and related expenses are slightly lower and our effective income tax rate is higher than the statutory rate.  Generally, as pre-tax income increases, the impact of the driver per diem program on our effective tax rate decreases, because aggregate per diem pay becomes smaller in relation to pre-tax income, while in periods where earnings are at or near breakeven the impact of the per diem program on our effective tax rate is significant.  Due to the partially nondeductible effect of per diem pay, our tax rate will fluctuate in future periods based on fluctuations in earnings.
	Our liability recorded for uncertain tax positions as of March 31, 2015, has increased approximately $1.6 million since December 31, 2014 primarily related to a reserve on a new tax position taken in the first quarter of 2015.
	The carrying value of our deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate, based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize these deferred tax benefits.  If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets, which would result in additional income tax expense.  On a periodic basis, we assess the need for adjustment of the valuation allowance.  Based on forecasted taxable income resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, primarily generated by accelerated depreciation for tax purposes in prior periods, and tax planning strategies available to us, a valuation allowance has been established at March 31, 2015, for $1.0 million related to certain state net operating loss carry-forwards.  If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to modify our valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets.

Note_5_Fair_Value_of_Financial

Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 5.   Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Accordingly, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value of the hedge derivative asset was determined based on quotes from the counterparty which were verified by comparing them to the exchange on which the related futures are traded, adjusted for counterparty credit risk. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows:
	●	Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
	●	Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
	●	Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	(in thousands)
	Hedge derivative assets		March 31,			December 31,
			2015 (1)			2014 (1)
	Fair Value of Derivatives		$	(21,751	)	$	(22,720	)
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)			-			-
	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		$	(21,751	)	$	(22,720	)
	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)			-			-
		-1	Excludes cash collateral of $2.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, provided by the Company to the counterparty.
	Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, commodity contracts, accounts payable, and debt. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Included in accounts receivable is $15.5 million of factoring receivables at March 31, 2015, net of a $0.2 million allowance for bad debts. We advance approximately 85% to 95% of each receivable factored and retain the remainder as collateral for collection issues that might arise. The retained amounts are returned to the clients after the related receivable has been collected. At March 31, 2015, the retained amounts related to factored receivables totaled $0.5 million and were included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our clients are smaller trucking companies that factor their receivables to us for a fee to facilitate faster cash flow. We evaluate each client's customer base under predefined criteria. The carrying value of the factored receivables approximates the fair value, as the receivables are generally repaid directly to us by the client's customer within 30-40 days due to the combination of the short-term nature of the financing transaction and the underlying quality of the receivables.
	Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily consists of revenue equipment installment notes. The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes approximated the carrying value at March 31, 2015, as the weighted average interest rate on these notes approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our Credit Facility (as defined herein) approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate on that facility. Additionally, commodity contracts, which are accounted for as hedge derivatives, as discussed in Note 6, are valued based on quotes from the counterparty, which were verified by comparing them to the forward rate of the specific indices upon which the contract is being settled and adjusted for counterparty credit risk using available market information and valuation methodologies.

Note_6_Derivative_Instruments

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6.   Derivative Instruments
	We engage in activities that expose us to market risks, including the effects of changes in fuel prices. Financial exposures are evaluated as an integral part of our risk management program, which seeks, from time-to-time, to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of fuel markets may have on operating results. In an effort to seek to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in diesel fuel prices, we periodically enter into various derivative instruments, including forward futures swap contracts (which we refer to as "fuel hedge contracts"). Historically diesel fuel has not been a traded commodity on the futures market so heating oil has been used as a substitute, as prices for both generally move in similar directions. Recently, however, we have been able to enter into hedging contracts with respect to both heating oil and ultra low sulfur diesel ("ULSD"). Under these contracts, we pay a fixed rate per gallon of heating oil or ULSD and receive the monthly average price of New York heating oil per the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") and Gulf Coast ULSD, respectively. The retrospective and prospective regression analyses provided that changes in the prices of diesel fuel and heating oil and diesel fuel and ULSD were each deemed to be highly effective based on the relevant authoritative guidance except for a small portion of our hedge contracts, which we determined to be ineffective on a prospective basis. Consequently, we recognized an approximately $0.3 million reduction of fuel expense in the first quarter of 2015 to mark the related liability to market. We do not engage in speculative transactions, nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
	We recognize all derivative instruments at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges, thus the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivatives is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The effective portion of the derivative represents the change in fair value of the hedge that offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item. To the extent the change in the fair value of the hedge does not perfectly offset the change in the fair value of the hedged item, the ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Ineffectiveness is calculated using the cumulative dollar offset method as an estimate of the difference in the expected cash flows of the respective fuel hedge contracts (heating oil or ULSD) compared to the changes in the all-in cash outflows required for the diesel fuel purchases.
	At March 31, 2015, we had fuel hedge contracts on approximately 9.5 million gallons for the remainder of 2015, or approximately 22.9% of our projected remaining 2015 fuel requirements, approximately 12.1 million gallons for 2016, or approximately 21.9% of our projected 2016 fuel requirements, and approximately 7.6 million gallons for 2017, or approximately 13.7% of our projected 2017 fuel requirements.
	The fair value of the contracts that were in effect at March 31, 2015, of approximately $21.8 million is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet, net of cash collateral of $2.9 million provided by the Company to the counterparty, and is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax.  Changes in the fair values of these instruments can vary dramatically based on changes in the underlying commodity prices. For example, during the first quarter in 2015, market "spot" prices for ULSD peaked at a high of approximately $1.97 per gallon and hit a low price of approximately $1.44 per gallon. During the same 2014 quarter, market "spot" prices ranged from a high of $3.08 per gallon to a low of $2.85 per gallon. Market price changes can be driven by factors such as supply and demand, inventory levels, weather events, refinery capacity, political agendas, the value of the U.S. dollar, geopolitical events, and general economic conditions, among other items.
	Additionally, $3.4 million was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into our results of operations as additional fuel expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015, related to losses on contracts that expired. In addition to the $3.4 million reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, related to losses on contracts that expired or were sold and for which we completed the forecasted transaction by purchasing the hedged diesel fuel, $0.3 million was recorded as a favorable adjustment to fuel expense related to contracts for which the hedging relationship was no longer deemed to be effective on a prospective basis.
	We had $0.1 million of unfavorable ineffectiveness recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the contracts that existed at March 31, 2015. The ineffectiveness was calculated using the cumulative dollar offset method as an estimate of the difference in the expected cash flows of the respective fuel hedge contracts compared to the changes in the all-in cash outflows required for the diesel fuel purchases.
	Based on the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of March 31, 2015, and the expected timing of the purchases of the diesel hedged, we expect to reclassify losses of approximately $8.3 million, net of tax, on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive loss into our results from operations during the next twelve months due to the actual diesel fuel purchases.  The amounts actually realized will be dependent on the fair values as of the date of settlement.
	We perform both a prospective and retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of our hedge contracts at inception and quarterly, including assessing the possibility of counterparty default. If we determine that a derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively and recognize subsequent changes in the fair value of the hedge in earnings. As a result of our effectiveness assessment at inception and at March 31, 2015, we believe our hedge contracts have been and will continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, with the exception of the abovementioned contracts.
	Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. We do not expect any of the counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. Our credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts reported as assets. To manage credit risk, we review each counterparty's audited financial statements and credit ratings and obtain references.
	If our fuel derivative instruments are in a net liability position with the counterparty and cash collateral is required, the cash collateral amounts provided are netted against the fair value of current outstanding derivative instruments. At March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, $2.9 million and $5.0 million cash collateral deposits, respectively, were provided by us in connection with our outstanding fuel derivative instruments.

Note_7_Debt

Note 7 - Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7.   Debt
	Current and long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)	31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
		Current		Long-Term		Current		Long-Term
	Borrowings under Credit Facility	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Revenue equipment installment notes with finance companies; weighted average interest rate of 3.7% and 3.8% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from April 2015 to January 2022, secured by related revenue equipment		23,222		127,433		27,550		155,832
	Real estate note; interest rate of 2.5% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, due in monthly installments with fixed maturity at December 2018, secured by related real estate		152		3,580		166		3,608
	Other note payable, interest rate of 3.0% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, with fixed maturity at November 2016		108		66		108		91
	Total debt		23,482		131,079		27,824		159,531
	Principal portion of capital lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment		1,723		14,142		1,606		13,372
	Total debt and capital lease obligations	$	25,205	$	145,221	$	29,430	$	172,903
	In September 2008, we and substantially all of our subsidiaries (collectively, the "Borrowers") entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPM," and together with the Agent, the "Lenders").
	The Credit Facility was originally structured as an $85.0 million revolving credit facility, with an accordion feature that, so long as no event of default existed, allowed us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million.  The Credit Facility included, within our $85.0 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $85.0 million and a swing line sub facility in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from time-to-time.
	In January 2013, we entered into an eighth amendment, which was effective December 31, 2012, to the Credit Facility which, among other things, (i) increased the revolver commitment to $95.0 million, (ii) extended the maturity date from September 2014 to September 2017, (iii) eliminated the availability block of $15.0 million, (iv) improved pricing for revolving borrowings by amending the applicable margin as set forth below, (v) improved the unused line fee pricing to 0.375% per annum when availability is less than $50.0 million and 0.5% per annum when availability is at or over such amount, (vi) provided that the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be tested only during periods that commence when availability is less than or equal to the greater of 12.5% of the revolver commitment or $11.9 million, (vii) eliminated the consolidated leverage ratio covenant, (viii) reduced the level of availability below which cash dominion applies to the greater of 15% of the revolver commitment or $14.3 million, (ix) added deemed amortization of real estate and eligible revenue equipment included in the borrowing base to the calculation of fixed charge coverage ratio, (x) amended certain types of permitted debt to afford additional flexibility, (xi) allowed for stock repurchases in an aggregate amount not exceeding $5.0 million and, (xii) removed certain restrictions relating to the purchase of up to the remaining 51% equity interest in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL"), provided that certain conditions are met.  In exchange for these amendments, the Borrowers agreed to pay fees of $0.3 million. Based on availability as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.
	Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "LIBOR loans."  Base rate loans accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent's prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.5% to 1.25%; while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%.  The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability.  The unused line fee is also adjusted quarterly between 0.375% and 0.5% based on the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility.  The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and capital leases.
	Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A) $95.0 million, minus the sum of the stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the lesser of (a) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible revenue equipment, (b) 95% of the net book value of eligible revenue equipment, or (c) 35% of the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility, plus (iii) the lesser of (a) $25.0 million or (b) 65% of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate.  We had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2015, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $37.0 million, and available borrowing capacity of $43.8 million.
	The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated.  If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.
	Capital lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility. The leases in effect at March 31, 2015 terminate in April 2015 through February 2022 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term, as well as included in the future minimum capital lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses.
	Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and include fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from April 2015 to January 2022. The notes contain certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but do not have any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $142.0 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additionally, a portion of the abovementioned fuel hedge contracts totaling $13.7 million at March 31, 2015, is cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered for the remainder of 2015, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, capital leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.

Note_8_StockBased_Compensation

Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 8.   Stock-Based Compensation
	In February 2013, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved, subject to stockholder approval, a third amendment (the "Third Amendment") to the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan").  The Third Amendment (i) provides that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock available for grant of awards under the Incentive Plan from and after May 29, 2013, shall not exceed 750,000, plus any remaining available shares of the 800,000 shares previously made available under the second amendment to the Incentive Plan (the "Second Amendment"), and any expirations, forfeitures, cancellations, or certain other terminations of shares approved for grant under the Third Amendment or the Second Amendment previously reserved, plus any remaining expirations, forfeitures, cancellations, or certain other terminations of such shares, and (ii) re-sets the term of the Incentive Plan to expire with respect to the ability to grant new awards on March 31, 2023.  The Compensation Committee also re-approved, subject to stockholder re-approval, the material terms of the performance-based goals under the Incentive Plan so that certain incentive awards granted thereunder would continue to qualify as exempt "performance-based compensation" under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).  The Company's stockholders approved the adoption of the Third Amendment and re-approved the material terms of the performance-based goals under the Incentive Plan at the Company's 2013 Annual Meeting held on May 29, 2013.
	The Incentive Plan permits annual awards of shares of our Class A common stock to executives, other key employees, consultants, non-employee directors, and eligible participants under various types of options, restricted stock awards, or other equity instruments. At March 31, 2015, 795,623 of the abovementioned 1,550,000 shares were available for award under the Incentive Plan. No participant in the Incentive Plan may receive awards of any type of equity instruments in any calendar year that relates to more than 200,000 shares of our Class A common stock. No awards may be made under the Incentive Plan after March 31, 2023. To the extent available, we have issued treasury stock to satisfy all share-based incentive plans.
	Included in salaries, wages, and related expenses within the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, is stock-based compensation expense of approximately $0.3 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively. All stock compensation expense recorded in 2015 and 2014 relates to restricted shares given no options were granted during these periods. Associated with stock compensation expense was a $1.7 million income tax benefit at March 31, 2015 related to the exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting, resulting in related changes in taxable income and offsetting changes to additional paid in capital.
	The Incentive Plan allows participants to pay the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to awards that vest or allows participants to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount of such required withholding taxes. To satisfy withholding requirements for shares that vested through March 31, 2015, certain participants elected to forfeit receipt of 57,260 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average per share price of $30.77 based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in 2015, in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We remitted $1.8 million to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum statutory withholding requirements.
	During the first quarter of 2015, certain employees exercised 49,825 stock options, which provided for approximately $0.8 million of proceeds.

Note_9_Equity_Method_Investmen

Note 9 - Equity Method Investment	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investment [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment [Text Block]	Note 9.    Equity Method Investment
	In May 2011, we acquired a 49.0% interest in TEL for $1.5 million in cash. Additionally, TEL's majority owners were eligible to receive an earn-out of up to $4.5 million for TEL's results through December 31, 2012, of which $1.0 million was earned based on TEL's 2011 results and $2.4 million was earned based on TEL's 2012 results.  The earn-out payments increased our investment balance and there are no additional possible earn-outs.
	TEL is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We have not guaranteed any of TEL's debt and have no obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. We have an option to acquire 100% of TEL through May 31, 2016, by purchasing the majority owners' interest based on a multiple of TEL's average earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted for certain items including cash and debt balances as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to May 31, 2016, TEL's majority owners have the option to acquire our interest based on the same terms detailed above. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, we sold tractors and trailers to TEL totaling $3.6 million and received $0.3 million for providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment. We recognized net deferred gains of $0.1 million representing 49% of the gains on units sold to TEL less any gains previously deferred and recognized when the equipment was subsequently sold to a third party.  The deferred gains, totaling $0.9 million at March 31, 2015, are being carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had a receivable from TEL for $2.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to cash disbursements made pursuant to a cash management agreement and related to providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment.
	We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's 2015 net income through March 31, 2015, or $1.4 million. Our investment in TEL, totaling $13.5 million and $12.2 million, at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, is included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our investment in TEL is comprised of the $4.9 million cash investment noted above and our equity in TEL's earnings since our investment, partially offset by dividends received since our investment for minimum tax withholdings and the abovementioned gains on sales of equipment to TEL.
	See TEL's summarized financial information below:
	(in thousands)	As of March 31,		As of December 31,
		2015		2014
	Current Assets	$	9,748	$	14,525
	Non-current Assets		80,984		64,731
	Current Liabilities		5,329		16,733
	Non-current Liabilities		65,794		45,687
	Total Equity	$	19,609	$	16,836
		For the three months		For the three months
		ended		ended
		31-Mar-15		31-Mar-14
	Revenue	$	29,025	$	17,646
	Operating Expenses		25,552		15,536
	Operating Income		3,473		2,110
	Net Income	$	2,773	$	1,661

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10.  Commitments and Contingencies
	From time-to-time, we are a party to routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and property damage incurred in connection with the transportation of freight. We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. In management's opinion, our potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
	On August 26, 2014, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a pre-trial decision in a lawsuit against our Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc. subsidiary (“SRT”) relating to a cargo claim incurred in 2008. The court awarded the plaintiff approximately $5.9 million plus prejudgment interest and costs and denied a cross-motion for summary judgment by SRT.  Previously, the court had ruled in favor of SRT on all but one count before overturning its earlier decision and ruling in favor of the plaintiff.  SRT filed a Notice of Appeal with the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on September 24, 2014 and that appeal has been fully briefed by the parties and oral arguments will be scheduled in the coming months.  As a result of this decision and pending final outcome of the appeal, we increased the reserve for this claim by approximately $7.5 million to approximately $8.1 million during the third quarter of 2014.
	We had $37.0 million and $34.3 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance programs.
	Effective April 2015, we entered into a new auto liability policy with a three-year term. The policy retains the first $1.0 million per occurrence limit for the primary layer of our auto liability program and expands excess coverage to $75.0 million. Additionally, effective April 2015, we commuted two liability policies for the period from April 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014, such that we are now responsible for any claim that occurred during that period up to $20.0 million, should such a claim develop. As a result of the commutation and the Company's improved safety statistics over the prior policy, the Company received favorable premium pricing for the upcoming three year policy period, which should reduce the fixed portion of insurance expense going forward.

Note_11_Accumulated_Other_Comp

Note 11 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCI")	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	Note 11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCI")
	AOCI is comprised of net income and other adjustments, including changes in the fair value of certain derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges.
	The following tables summarize the change in the components of our AOCI balance for the periods presented (in thousands; presented net of tax):
	Details about AOCI Components	Amount Reclassified from AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015			Affected Line Item in
					the Statement of
					Operations
	Gains on cash flow hedges
	Commodity derivative contracts	$	3,404		Fuel expense
			(1,304	)	Income tax (benefit)
		$	2,100		Net of tax

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. References in this report to "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933. In preparing financial statements, it is necessary for management to make assumptions and estimates affecting the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. These estimates and assumptions are developed based upon all information available. Actual results could differ from estimated amounts. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented, such adjustments being of a normal recurring nature.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2014, condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from our audited balance sheet as of that date. The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal trends when measured on a quarterly basis; therefore operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Results of operations in interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year.

Note_2_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Note 2 - Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	(in thousands except per share data)	Three Months ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss)	$	10,227	$	(1,374	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares		18,145		14,915
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted stock		147		-
	Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options		15		-
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		18,307		14,915
	Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:	$	0.56	$	(0.09	)

Note_3_Segment_Information_Tab

Note 3 - Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	Three months ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Total Revenues:
	Truckload	$	157,250		$	150,254
	Other		9,966			10,703
	Total	$	167,216		$	160,957
	Operating Income (Loss):
	Truckload	$	14,131		$	451
	Other		337			541
	Unallocated Corporate Overhead		(4,425	)		(638	)
	Total	$	10,043		$	354

Note_5_Fair_Value_of_Financial1

Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)
	Hedge derivative assets	March 31,			December 31,
		2015 (1)			2014 (1)
	Fair Value of Derivatives	$	(21,751	)	$	(22,720	)
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		-			-
	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	$	(21,751	)	$	(22,720	)
	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		-			-

Note_7_Debt_Tables

Note 7 - Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	31-Mar-15				31-Dec-14
		Current		Long-Term		Current		Long-Term
	Borrowings under Credit Facility	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Revenue equipment installment notes with finance companies; weighted average interest rate of 3.7% and 3.8% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from April 2015 to January 2022, secured by related revenue equipment		23,222		127,433		27,550		155,832
	Real estate note; interest rate of 2.5% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, due in monthly installments with fixed maturity at December 2018, secured by related real estate		152		3,580		166		3,608
	Other note payable, interest rate of 3.0% at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, with fixed maturity at November 2016		108		66		108		91
	Total debt		23,482		131,079		27,824		159,531
	Principal portion of capital lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment		1,723		14,142		1,606		13,372
	Total debt and capital lease obligations	$	25,205	$	145,221	$	29,430	$	172,903

Note_9_Equity_Method_Investmen1

Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Tables) (Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Balance Sheet [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Tables) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	(in thousands)	As of March 31,		As of December 31,
		2015		2014
	Current Assets	$	9,748	$	14,525
	Non-current Assets		80,984		64,731
	Current Liabilities		5,329		16,733
	Non-current Liabilities		65,794		45,687
	Total Equity	$	19,609	$	16,836
Income Statement [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Tables) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]		For the three months		For the three months
		ended		ended
		31-Mar-15		31-Mar-14
	Revenue	$	29,025	$	17,646
	Operating Expenses		25,552		15,536
	Operating Income		3,473		2,110
	Net Income	$	2,773	$	1,661

Note_11_Accumulated_Other_Comp1

Note 11 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCI") (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Details about AOCI Components	Amount Reclassified from AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2015			Affected Line Item in
					the Statement of
					Operations
	Gains on cash flow hedges
	Commodity derivative contracts	$	3,404		Fuel expense
			(1,304	)	Income tax (benefit)
		$	2,100		Net of tax

Note_2_Income_Per_Share_Detail

Note 2 - Income Per Share (Details) - Calculation of Net Income (Loss) Per Share (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss) (in Dollars)	$10,227	($1,374)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share b weighted-average shares	18,145	14,915
Effect of dilutive securities:
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted stock	147
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options	15
Denominator for diluted earnings per share b adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	18,307	14,915
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share: (in Dollars per share)	$0.56	($0.09)

Note_3_Segment_Information_Det

Note 3 - Segment Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	1

Note_3_Segment_Information_Det1

Note 3 - Segment Information (Details) - Segment Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Total Revenues:
Revenues	$167,216	$160,957
Operating Income (Loss):
Operating income (loss)	10,043	354
Operating Segments [Member] | Truckload [Member]
Total Revenues:
Revenues	157,250	150,254
Operating Income (Loss):
Operating income (loss)	14,131	451
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Segments [Member]
Total Revenues:
Revenues	9,966	10,703
Operating Income (Loss):
Operating income (loss)	337	541
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Operating Income (Loss):
Operating income (loss)	($4,425)	($638)

Note_4_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	$1.60
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$1

Note_5_Fair_Value_of_Financial2

Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Net	$2.90	$5
Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Net, Not Part of Disposal Group	15.5
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	0.2
Collateral for Collection Issues [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Accounts Payable	$0.50

Note_5_Fair_Value_of_Financial3

Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of Derivatives	($21,751)	[1]	($22,720)	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of Derivatives	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of Derivatives	-21,751	[1]	-22,720	[1]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of Derivatives	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Excludes cash collateral of $2.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, provided by the Company to the counterparty.

Note_6_Derivative_Instruments_

Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value	$21.80
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Net	2.9		5
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-3.4
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net	-0.1
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months	-8.3
Hedge Contracts Ineffectiveness [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Additional Fuel Expense	-0.3
Gallons of Diesel [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Underlying, Derivative Volume (in Dollars per US Gallon)	1.97	3.08
Gallons of Diesel [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Underlying, Derivative Volume (in Dollars per US Gallon)	1.44
Minimum [Member] | Gallons of Diesel [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Underlying, Derivative Volume (in Dollars per US Gallon)		2.85
Fuel Hedge Contracts for 2015 Fuel Requirements [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume (in US Gallons)	9,500,000
Percent of Projected Fuel Requirements	22.90%
Fuel Hedge Contracts for 2016 Fuel Requirements [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume (in US Gallons)	12,100,000
Percent of Projected Fuel Requirements	21.90%
Fuel Hedge Contracts for 2017 Fuel Requirements [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume (in US Gallons)	7,600,000
Percent of Projected Fuel Requirements	13.70%
Expired or Sold contracts [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-3.4
Additional Fuel Expense, no Longer Deemed to be Effective [Member]
Note 6 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$0.30

Note_7_Debt_Details

Note 7 - Debt (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2008	31-May-11
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)				$85,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Increase In Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)				50,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Availability Block Removed (in Dollars)	15,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Revolver Commitment Amount (in Dollars)		25,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Availability As Percentage Of Revolver Commitment		35.00%
Maximum Stock Repurchase Aggregate Amount Allowed Pursuant To Credit Facility Agreement (in Dollars)	5,000,000
Debt Instrument, Fee Amount (in Dollars)	300,000
Fixed Charge Coverage Requirement (in Dollars)		0	0
Percent Of Eligible Accounts Receivable		85.00%
Percent of Appraised Net Orderly Liquidation Value of Eligible Revenue Equipment		85.00%
Percent of Net Book Value of Eligible Revenue Equipment		95.00%
Percent Of Appraised Fair Market Value Of Eligible Real Estate		65.00%
Long-term Line of Credit (in Dollars)		0
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount (in Dollars)		37,000,000	34,300,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)		43,800,000
Debt, Secured with a Cross Default Feature (in Dollars)		142,000,000
Commodity Contract Asset, Current (in Dollars)		13,700,000
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Eighth Amendment [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	51.00%
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					49.00%
Maximum [Member] | Applicable Margin [Member] | Base Rate Loans [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.25%
Maximum [Member] | Applicable Margin [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.25%
Maximum [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.50%
Minimum [Member] | Applicable Margin [Member] | Base Rate Loans [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
Minimum [Member] | Applicable Margin [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.50%
Minimum [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.38%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] | Base Rate Loans [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Base Rate Loans [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%
Eighth Amendment [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)	95,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)				85,000,000
Swing Line Sub Facility [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars)				10,000,000
Percent of Aggregate Commitments Under Credit Facility				10.00%
When Availability Is Less Than $50 Million [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.38%
When Availability Is At Least $50 Million [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Testing of Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Covenant [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	12.50%
Line Of Credit Facility, Revolver Commitment Amount (in Dollars)	11,900,000
Cash Dominion Applies [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility, Revolver Commitment Amount (in Dollars)	$14,300,000
Line Of Credit Facility, Availability As Percentage Of Revolver Commitment	15.00%

Note_7_Debt_Details_Current_an

Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Borrowings under Credit Facility	$0	$0
Notes payable, current	23,482	27,824
Notes payable, long-term	131,079	159,531
Principal portion of capital lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment	1,723	1,606
Principal portion of capital lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment	14,142	13,372
Total debt and capital lease obligations	25,205	29,430
Total debt and capital lease obligations	145,221	172,903
Revenue Equipment Installment Notes [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable, current	23,222	27,550
Notes payable, long-term	127,433	155,832
Real Estate Note [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable, current	152	166
Notes payable, long-term	3,580	3,608
Other Note Payable [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt [Line Items]
Notes payable, current	108	108
Notes payable, long-term	$66	$91

Note_7_Debt_Details_Current_an1

Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt (Parentheticals)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Equipment Installment Notes [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Interest rate on notes payable, current	3.70%	3.80%
Interest rate on notes payable, long-term	3.70%	3.80%
Real Estate Note [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Interest rate on notes payable, current	2.50%	2.50%
Interest rate on notes payable, long-term	2.50%	2.50%
Other Note Payable [Member]
Note 7 - Debt (Details) - Current and Long-term Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Interest rate on notes payable, current	3.00%	3.00%
Interest rate on notes payable, long-term	3.00%	3.00%

Note_8_StockBased_Compensation1

Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	1,550,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	795,623
Maximum Number Of Shares Of Class A Common Stock Awarded To Any Participant In The Incentive Plan In Any Calendar Year	200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0	0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$1,651,000
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	1,762,000	67,000
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)	765,000
Relate to Performance for Year Ended Dec 31, 2014 [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (in Dollars)	800,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	49,825
Salaries, Wages, and Related Expenses [Member]
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	300,000	100,000
Common Class A [Member]
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	57,260
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased (in Dollars per share)	$30.77
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	$1,800,000
Third Amendment [Member]
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized			750,000
Second Amendment [Member]
Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized			800,000

Note_9_Equity_Method_Investmen2

Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-11	31-May-11	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$1,385,000	$800,000
Accrued Liabilities, Current	31,743,000				39,470,000
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	11,042,000	19,920,000
Based On 2011 Results [Member] | Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			1,000,000	1,000,000
Based On 2012 Results [Member] | Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments			2,400,000
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Option To Acquire Interest In Equity Method Investment, Percentage of Ownership	100.00%
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member] | Services Provided [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	300,000
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member] | Reduction In TEI Investment [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Gain on Sale of Property	900,000
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			49.00%	49.00%
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	4,900,000			1,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High			4,500,000	4,500,000
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	1,400,000
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	3,600,000
Deferred Gain on Sale of Property	100,000
Due from Related Parties	2,900,000				2,200,000
Equity Method Investments	13,500,000				12,200,000
Earnout [Member]
Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) [Line Items]
Accrued Liabilities, Current	$0

Note_9_Equity_Method_Investmen3

Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) - TELbs Summarized Financial Information - Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
TELbs Summarized Financial Information - Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Current Assets	$9,748	$14,525
Non-current Assets	80,984	64,731
Current Liabilities	5,329	16,733
Non-current Liabilities	65,794	45,687
Total Equity	$19,609	$16,836

Note_9_Equity_Method_Investmen4

Note 9 - Equity Method Investment (Details) - TELbs Summarized Financial Information - Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
TELbs Summarized Financial Information - Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$29,025	$17,646
Operating Expenses	25,552	15,536
Operating Income	3,473	2,110
Net Income	$2,773	$1,661

Note_10_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Aug. 26, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount				$37	$34.30
Insurance Policy, Term	3 years
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Insurance Policy, Primary Occurence Limit	1
Insurance Policy, Excess Coverage	75
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum	20
Cargo Claim [Member]
Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Litigation Settlement, Amount		5.9
Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Reserve		$7.50	$8.10

Note_11_Accumulated_Other_Comp2

Note 11 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ("AOCI") (Details) - Components of AOCI (Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member], Commodity Contract [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Gains on cash flow hedges
	$2,100
Fuel Expense [Member]
Gains on cash flow hedges
Commodity derivative contracts	3,404
Income Tax Expense [Member]
Gains on cash flow hedges
	($1,304)