Knight Transportation 10-K 1 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 24, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	929,452
Trading Symbol	knx
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		80,323,565
Entity Public Float			$ 1.9
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 8,021	$ 8,691
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,727 and $3,106, respectively	142,167	131,945
Notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful notes receivable of $240 and $273, respectively	560	648
Prepaid expenses	13,244	17,320
Assets held for sale	9,634	29,327
Other current assets	8,159	14,215
Income tax receivable	8,406	41,967
Total current assets	190,191	244,113
Property and Equipment:
Revenue equipment	910,042	866,252
Land and land improvements	54,106	52,951
Buildings and building improvements	145,866	139,102
Furniture and fixtures	20,241	18,363
Shop and service equipment	16,859	16,729
Leasehold improvements	4,735	3,061
Gross property and equipment	1,151,849	1,096,458
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(348,991)	(292,815)
Property and equipment, net	802,858	803,643
Notes receivable, long-term	3,047	3,419
Goodwill	47,031	47,050
Intangible assets, net	2,575	3,075
Other long-term assets and restricted cash and investments	32,823	18,932
Total long-term assets	888,334	876,119
Total assets	1,078,525	1,120,232
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	18,006	14,818
Accrued payroll and purchased transportation	25,017	23,776
Accrued liabilities	16,722	21,609
Claims accrual ? current portion	18,633	19,471
Dividend payable ? current portion	272	349
Total current liabilities	78,650	80,023
Long-term Liabilities:
Claims accrual ? long-term portion	13,290	11,508
Long-term dividend payable and other liabilities	1,854	2,164
Deferred tax liabilities	178,000	174,165
Long-term debt	18,000	112,000
Total long-term liabilities	211,144	299,837
Total liabilities	289,794	379,860
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 80,229 and 80,967 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	802	810
Additional paid-in capital	223,267	205,648
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,573
Retained earnings	562,404	529,367
Total Knight Transportation shareholders' equity	786,473	738,398
Noncontrolling interest	2,258	1,974
Total shareholders' equity	788,731	740,372
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,078,525	$ 1,120,232

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000	50,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	300,000	300,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	80,229	80,967
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	80,229	80,967
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,727	$ 3,106
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable	$ 240	$ 273

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue:
Revenue, before fuel surcharge	$ 1,028,148	$ 1,061,739	$ 925,985
Fuel surcharge	89,886	121,225	176,347
Total revenue	1,118,034	1,182,964	1,102,332
Operating Expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits	333,929	334,069	271,815
Fuel	129,696	152,752	203,758
Operations and maintenance	76,246	80,855	71,558
Insurance and claims	34,441	33,632	31,133
Operating taxes and licenses	18,728	18,911	17,972
Communications	4,182	4,095	4,899
Depreciation and amortization	116,160	111,023	92,893
Purchased transportation	233,863	246,864	238,041
Miscellaneous operating expenses	22,310	22,763	7,541
Total operating expenses	969,555	1,004,964	939,610
Income from operations	148,479	178,000	162,722
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income	309	460	458
Interest expense	(897)	(998)	(730)
Other income	4,939	9,042	9,380
Total other income	4,351	8,504	9,108
Income before income taxes	152,830	186,504	171,830
Income Taxes	57,592	68,047	67,809
Net income	95,238	118,457	104,021
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,375)	(1,739)	(1,159)
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation	$ 93,863	$ 116,718	$ 102,862
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.17	$ 1.43	$ 1.27
Diluted (in dollars per share)	1.16	1.42	1.25
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.24	$ 0.24
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	80,362	81,491	80,947
Diluted (in shares)	81,228	82,467	82,042

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net income		$ 95,238	$ 118,457	$ 104,021
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Realized gains from available-for-sale securities reclassified to net income(1)	[1]	(2,771)	(5,273)	(1,932)
Unrealized (losses) gains from changes in fair value of available-for-sale securities(2)	[2]	198	(4,385)	9,581
Comprehensive income		92,665	108,799	111,670
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(1,375)	(1,739)	(1,159)
Comprehensive income attributable to Knight Transportation		$ 91,290	$ 107,060	$ 110,511
[1]	Net of current income taxes of $1,723, $3,318, and $1,233, respectively.
[2]	Net of deferred income tax (benefits) expenses of $104, $(2,870), and $6,203, respectively.

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net of current income taxes	$ 1,723	$ 3,318	$ 1,233
Net of deferred income taxes	$ 104	$ (2,870)	$ 6,203

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	80,199,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 802	$ 150,858	$ 397,346	$ 4,582	$ 553,588	$ 945	$ 554,533
Exercise of stock options and RSUs (in shares)	1,634,000						1,551,400
Exercise of stock options and RSUs	$ 16	24,350			24,366		$ 24,366
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	9,000
Issuance of common stock		200			200		200
Shares withheld from RSU settlement			(1,027)		(1,027)		(1,027)
Excess tax benefit of stock option exercises		5,273			5,273		5,273
Employee stock-based compensation expense		4,503			4,503		4,503
Cash dividends paid and dividends accrued			(19,654)		(19,654)		(19,654)
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation			102,862		102,862		102,862
Other comprehensive income				7,649	7,649		7,649
Distribution to noncontrolling interest						(589)	(589)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						1,159	1,159
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	81,842,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 818	185,184	479,527	12,231	677,760	1,515	$ 679,275
Exercise of stock options and RSUs (in shares)	720,000						594,673
Exercise of stock options and RSUs	$ 8	9,923			9,931		$ 9,931
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	12,000
Issuance of common stock		354			354		354
Shares withheld from RSU settlement			(1,843)		(1,843)		(1,843)
Employee stock-based compensation expense		7,012			7,012		7,012
Cash dividends paid and dividends accrued			(19,706)		(19,706)		(19,706)
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation			116,718		116,718		116,718
Other comprehensive income				(9,658)	(9,658)		(9,658)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest						(1,280)	(1,280)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						1,739	1,739
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	80,967,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 810	205,648	529,367	2,573	738,398	1,974	740,372
Company shares repurchased (in shares)	(1,607,000)
Company shares repurchased	$ (16)		(45,329)		(45,345)		(45,345)
Excess tax benefit of stock option exercises		3,175			3,175		$ 3,175
Exercise of stock options and RSUs (in shares)	832,000						708,244
Exercise of stock options and RSUs	$ 8	13,180			13,188		$ 13,188
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	15,000
Issuance of common stock		398			398		398
Shares withheld from RSU settlement			(1,631)		(1,631)		(1,631)
Employee stock-based compensation expense		4,041			4,041		4,041
Cash dividends paid and dividends accrued			(19,338)		(19,338)		(19,338)
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation			93,863		93,863		93,863
Other comprehensive income				$ (2,573)	(2,573)		(2,573)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest						(1,091)	(1,091)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						1,375	1,375
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	80,229,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 802	$ 223,267	562,404		786,473	$ 2,258	788,731
Company shares repurchased (in shares)	(1,585,000)
Company shares repurchased	$ (16)		$ (39,857)		$ (39,873)		$ (39,873)

Consolidated Unaudited Statemen

Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income		$ 95,238	$ 118,457	$ 104,021
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		116,160	111,023	92,893
Gain on sale of equipment		(8,124)	(15,346)	(16,840)
Earn-out on sold investment			(208)
Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities		(4,494)	(8,591)	(3,165)
Income from investment in Transportation Resource Partners III		(533)	(422)	(6,139)
Impairment of investment in Transportation Resource Partners		86	177	1,041
Compensation expense for issuance of common stock to certain members of board of directors		398	354	200
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable		882	1,359	1,351
Deferred income taxes		5,454	21,532	17,060
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation(1)	[1]		(3,175)	(5,273)
Stock-based compensation expense		4,041	7,012	4,503
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables		(11,099)	10,266	(17,031)
Other current assets		6,056	(870)	(1,872)
Prepaid expenses		4,076	103	(1,647)
Income tax receivable		33,561	(22,535)	(19,432)
Other long-term assets		695	(1,236)	442
Accounts payable		3,788	(8,543)	4,285
Accrued liabilities		(3,774)	(4,534)	17,258
Claims accrual		943	942	5,532
Net cash provided by operating activities		243,354	205,765	177,187
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(154,596)	(221,660)	(260,389)
Proceeds from sale of equipment/assets held for sale		65,595	72,246	81,555
Cash proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities		7,403	12,528	6,355
Cash receipt from notes receivable		1,797	1,779	2,309
Cash proceeds from related party notes receivable				748
Investment in Barr-Nunn Transportation			(3,500)	(110,517)
Cash payments to Transportation Resource Partners		(21,709)	(70)	(129)
Cash proceeds from Transportation Resource Partners		496	360	12,814
Change in restricted cash and investments		(6)	(18)	339
Net cash used in investing activities		(101,020)	(138,335)	(266,915)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Dividends paid		(19,597)	(19,885)	(19,648)
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation(1)	[1]		3,175	5,273
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to stock-based compensation(1)	[1]	(1,631)
(Payments of) proceeds from borrowing on line of credit, net		(94,000)	(22,400)	96,400
Cash distribution to noncontrolling interest holder		(1,091)	(1,280)	(589)
Payments to repurchase Company stock		(39,873)	(45,345)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		13,188	9,930	24,366
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(143,004)	(75,805)	105,802
Net (decrease) increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(670)	(8,375)	16,074
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of year		8,691	17,066	992
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of year		8,021	8,691	17,066
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Equipment acquired included in accounts payable		3,619	4,251	25
Dividend accrued for restricted stock units		103	178	196
Transfer from property and equipment to assets held for sale		30,755	49,786	56,521
Financing provided to independent contractors for equipment sold		1,310	787	1,579
Cash flow information:
Income taxes paid		18,467	65,594	68,020
Interest expense paid		$ 941	$ 1,037	$ 666
[1]	Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09, excess tax benefits from share-based award activity is now presented as an operating activity, and shares withheld for employee taxes related to stock-based compensation is now presented as a financing activity. The Company made this adoption on a prospective basis. See Note 1 of the accompanying notes to these consolidated financial statements for additional information related to this adoption.

Note 1 - Organization and Summa

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies a. Nature of Business Knight Transportation, Inc. (an Arizona corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") is a truckload carrier of general commodities and transportation logistics services provider headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The Company also has service centers located throughout the United States. The Company has two b. Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation - Use of Estimates - Cash and Cash Equivalents three may may Notes Receivable third 2% 20%. 78 104 third December 31, 2016 2015, The notes receivable balances are classified separately between current and long-term notes in the consolidated balance sheets. The current and long-term balances of our notes receivables as of December 31, 2016 2015 201 6 201 5 Notes receivable from independent contractors $ 1,039 $ 794 Notes receivable from third parties 2,808 3,546 Gross notes receivable 3,847 4,340 Allowance for doubtful notes receivable (240 ) (273 ) Total notes receivable, net of allowance $ 3,607 $ 4,067 Current portion, net of allowance 560 648 Long-term portion $ 3,047 $ 3,419 Assets Held for Sale $9.6 $29.3 December 31, 2016 2015, No 2016, 2015, 2014. 12 Other Current Assets Property and Equipment - Years Land improvements 5 - 15 Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 Furniture and fixtures 3 - 10 Shop and service equipment 2 - 10 Revenue equipment 5 - 10 Leasehold improvements 1 - 5 To ensure that our facilities remain modern and efficient, we periodically have facility upgrades, or new construction, in process at our various service center locations or corporate headquarters. Until these projects are completed, we consider these assets not yet placed in service and they are not depreciated. Once they are placed in service, we depreciate them according to our depreciation policy. At December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015, $13.0 $17.5 The Company expenses repairs and maintenance as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, $31.2 $33.4 $30.9 The Company periodically reviews the reasonableness of its estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values for revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, the Company's experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice. Tires on revenue equipment purchased are capitalized as a part of the equipment cost and depreciated over the life of the vehicle. Replacement tires and recapping costs are expensed when placed in service. Other Long-term Assets and Restricted Cash and Investments 201 6 201 5 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners (TRP) $ 214 $ 300 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners III (TRP III) 5,882 5,752 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners IV (TRP IV) 1,882 - Investment in Transportation Resource Partners CoInvest Partners, (NTI) I, LP (TRP Coinvestment) 10,000 - Investment in Transportation Resource Partners CoInvest Partners, (QLS) I, LP (TRP Coinvestment QLS) 9,735 - Restricted Cash and Investments 3,288 3,282 Available-For-Sale Equity Securities - 7,101 Other 1,822 2,497 $ 32,823 $ 18,932 In 2003, $5.0 $260.0 1.9% 2006, $5.5 No 2016 $208,000 2015. 2014, $2.1 $0.5 $1.6 $86,000, $177,000, $1.0 2016, 2015, 2014, 2.3%, $214,000 $300,000 December 31, 2016 2015, In 2008, $15.0 2015, $2.1 December 31, 2016, $11.1 $1.8 $533,000, $422,000, $6.1 December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2016, $496,000 December 31, 2016, $5.9 $5.8 December 31, 2015. 6.1% December 31, 2016. In 2015, $4.9 $116.1 4.2% $2.0 $2.9 December 31, 2016. No 2015 2016. In the first 2016, $10.0 December 31, 2016. 323 2016, December 31, 2016 $10.0 In the third 2016, $9.7 no December 31, 2016. 323 No 2016, December 31, 2016 $9.7 Restricted Cash and Investments - $3.3 December 31, 2016 2015. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 210, Balance Sheet 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - 360 10, Property, Plant and Equipment 360 10, Long-lived Assets may Goodwill & Intangibles, net 350 20, Goodwill first two 350 20. two may second In 2015, June 30 September 30. June 30, 2016, June 30, 2015, In conjunction with the acquisition of Roads West in 2006, 740, Income Taxes two 805, Business Combination first second second five December 31, 2011. The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill were as follows (in thousands): 201 6 201 5 Goodwill at beginning of period $ 47,050 $ 47,067 Acquisition - - Amortization relating to deferred tax assets (19 ) (17 ) Goodwill at end of period $ 47,031 $ 47,050 Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization relate to customer relations and trade names acquired through the 2014 Intangible asset balances were as follows (in thousands): 201 6 201 5 Gross carrying amount $ 3,700 $ 3,700 Accumulated amortization (1,125 ) (625 ) Intangible assets, net $ 2,575 $ 3,075 These intangible assets are amortized over a weighted average amortization period of 7.6 $0.5 $0.5 $0.1 December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, $0.5 2017 2019, $0.4 2020 2021. Claims Accrual - third may Revenue Recognition - In accordance with ASC 605 45, Revenue Recognition - Principal Agent Consideration third Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 30 Allowance for Doubtful Notes Receivable Income Taxes The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets are not more likely than not to be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets has not been deemed necessary due to the Company's profitable operations. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Financial Instruments The Company's financial instruments include cash equivalents, investments held for trading, available-for-sale securities, trade receivables, notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. Due to the short-term nature of cash equivalents, trade receivables, and accounts payable, the fair value of these instruments approximates their recorded value. Available-for-sale and trading securities consist of marketable equity and debt securities stated at fair value. Due to the variable interest rate, the carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value. Concentration of Credit Risk - three 15.4%, 11.5% 11.7% 2016, 2015 2014, December 31, 2016, three 13.9% 12.0% December 31, 2015. 6.5% December 31, 2016, 4.5%, 4.3%, 2015, 2014, 9.1% December 31, 2016, 1.2% December 31, 2015. Earnings Per Share 2016, 2015, 2014 201 6 201 5 201 4 Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Basic EPS $ 93,863 80,362 $ 1.17 $ 116,718 81,491 $ 1.43 $ 102,862 80,947 $ 1.27 Effect of stock options & restricted stock - 866 - 976 - 1,095 Diluted EPS $ 93,863 81,228 $ 1.16 $ 116,718 82,467 $ 1.42 $ 102,862 82,042 $ 1.25 Certain shares of options, restricted stock units, and performance restricted stock units ("equity awards') were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the equity award's exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and the sum total of assumed proceeds resulted in fewer shares repurchased than the weighted equity awards outstanding hypothetically exercised per the treasury method. A summary of those shares for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 201 6 201 5 201 4 Number of anti-dilutive shares 885,623 387,969 232,803 Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2016 In March 2016, 2016 09, 718): January 1, 2017, During the fourth 2016, January 1, 2016, , rather than additional paid-in capital as previously recognized. The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation expense to be recognized. These amendments to the accounting for income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2016, The adoption of the new standard resulted in a reduction to the provision for income taxes in 2016 $1.8 unaudited selected quarterly data previously reported for fiscal year 2016 12 Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In November 2016, 2016 18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): December 15, 2017, In August 2016, 2016 15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 203): eight December 15, 2017. In March 2016, 2016 08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): 2014 09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) two The amendments in these updates will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, January 1, 2017. The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the effect that adopting the new guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company has established a team to evaluate and implement this standard and expects to complete the evaluation and provide additional information about any financial impact of adoption by the time the Company files its Quarterly Report on Form 10 June 30, 2017. In February 2016, 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842). 12 In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies may December 15, 2018, In January 2016, 2016 01, Financial Instruments'Overall (Subtopic 825 10). December 15, 2017,

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	2. Fair Value Measurements GAAP has established a framework for measuring fair value and a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. This framework maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three Level 1 Level 2 i.e. Level 3 In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Level One Level Two Level Three Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Assets: Available-for-sale Securities: Equity securities - common shares - $ 7,101 - $ 7,101 - - - - Restricted cash and investments: Money market funds $ 1,385 $ 1,003 $ 1,385 $ 1,003 - - - - Trading Securities: Debt securities - municipal securities $ 1,903 $ 2,279 - - $ 1,903 $ 2,279 - - The Company has from time-to-time held certain marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities, which are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income" in shareholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in the determination of net income. The Company uses specific identification to determine the cost of securities sold, and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings. The following table shows the Company's realized gains during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, December 31, 201 6 201 5 201 4 Sales proceeds $ 7,403 $ 12,528 $ 6,355 Cost of securities sold 2,909 3,937 3,190 Realized gain $ 4,494 $ 8,591 $ 3,165 Realized gains, net of taxes $ 2,771 $ 5,273 $ 1,932 No December 31, 2016. December 31, 2015, $7.1 $4.2 $2.6 December 31, 2015, $2.9

Note 3 - Line of Credit and Lon

Note 3 - Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	3. Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt The Company maintained a revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, which permitted revolving borrowings and letters of credit. The line of credit is maintained at $300.0 August 1, 2019. 0.625%, $18.0 $112.0 December 31, 2016 2015, ("APR") 2016 1.08%, 0.88% 2015. December 31, 2016, $31.3 $250.7 December 31, 2016. APR December 31, 2016 1.32%, 1.05% December 31, 2015. December 31, 2016 2015.

Note 4 - Income Taxes

Note 4 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Income Taxes Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Current income taxes: Federal $ 43,638 $ 41,549 $ 42,101 State 8,500 4,966 8,648 52,138 46,515 50,749 Deferred income taxes: Federal 6,789 19,666 12,644 State (1,335 ) 1,866 4,416 5,454 21,532 17,060 $ 57,592 $ 68,047 $ 67,809 The effective income tax rate is different than the amount that would be computed by applying statutory corporate income tax rates to income before income taxes. The differences are summarized as follows (in thousands): 2016 2015 2014 Tax at the statutory rate (35%) $ 53,490 $ 65,277 $ 60,141 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 4,657 4,441 8,492 Nondeductible driver per diem 1,685 1,982 1,885 Other, net (2,240 ) (3,653 ) (2,709 ) $ 57,592 $ 68,047 $ 67,809 The net effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Deferred tax liabilities (assets): Property and equipment depreciation $ 192,363 $ 185,678 Claims accrual (11,355 ) (10,578 ) Stock compensation (3,101 ) (3,837 ) Investments (440 ) 582 Prepaid expenses deducted for tax purposes 2,737 2,947 Other, net (2,204 ) (627 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ 178,000 $ 174,165 As of December 31, 2016, $1.8 $0.4 2020 $1.4 2021. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Unrecognized tax benefits are defined as the difference between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured pursuant to ASC 740, Income Taxes A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 2016 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ - $ - $ - Additions for tax positions of prior years 729 - - Ending balance $ 729 $ - $ - If recognized, the $0.7 December 31, 2016 The Company believes it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $0.7 may Potential interest and penalty accruals and reversals related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, no The Company files federal and state income tax returns with varying statutes of limitations. The 2012 2016

Note 5 - Commitments and Contin

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Commitments and Contingencies a. Purchase Commitments The Company's purchase commitments for 2017 $119.0 $3.5 2016 nine 90 b. Investment Commitments The Company's outstanding commitment to invest in TRP III is $1.8 December 31, 2016. $2.9 December 31, 2016. c. Operating Leases The Company periodically leases revenue equipment, certain service center building facilities, and communication equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. The Company also has operating leases for trailer storage. Operating lease expense under operating leases was approximately $5.0 $4.7 $2.8 December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2016 Year Ending December 31, Amount 2017 4,253 2018 2,725 2019 572 2020 277 2021 40 2022 4 Total $ 7,871 d. Other The Company is involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising in the normal course of business. These proceedings primarily involve claims for personal injury or property damage incurred in the transportation of freight or for personnel matters. The Company maintains insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight in amounts in excess of self-insurance retentions, and accrues for estimated self-insured claims liabilities as described in Note 6. The Company is a defendant in a class action lawsuit that was filed on April 19, 2012 April 19, 2009 fourth 2016, As a result of the Washington settlement, the Company has accrued a total of $2.5 December 31, 2016. Based on claims resolved this year, and the Company's present knowledge of the facts and in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes the resolution of open claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 6 - Claims Accrual

Note 6 - Claims Accrual	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Claims Accrual [Text Block]	6. Claims Accrual The primary claims arising for the Company consist of auto liability (personal injury and property damage), cargo liability, collision, comprehensive and workers' compensation. The Company is insured against auto liability claims under an SIR policy with retention ranging from $1.0 $3.0 $1.5 March 1, 2015 March 1, 2016 March 1, 2016 March 1, 2017, $2.5 $1.0 $130.0 $2.5 The Company also maintains excess coverage for employee medical expenses and hospitalization. The self- retention amount for employee medical health was $225,000 2015 $240,000 2016 2017. The Company's claims reserves are classified separately between current and long-term in the balance sheet. The current and long-term balance of the Company's claims reserves at December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Auto reserves $ 21,474 $ 18,926 Workers' compensation reserves 7,935 8,815 Employee medical reserves 2,514 3,238 Total reserves $ 31,923 $ 30,979 Current portion $ 18,633 $ 19,471 Long-term portion $ 13,290 $ 11,508 A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the Company's claims reserves for the years ended December 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 30,979 $ 30,037 Provisions recorded 51,323 52,031 Claims paid and direct expenses (50,379 ) (51,089 ) Total reserves $ 31,923 $ 30,979 The provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016, $33.9 $6.5 $10.9 December 31, 2015, $33.4 $7.9 $10.7

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Shareholders' Equity During 2016, 2015, 2014, 201 6 201 5 201 4 Annual director fees paid through stock issuance $ 398,189 $ 354,168 $ 200,484 Shares of common stock issued 15,026 11,853 8,828 Dividends paid per common share $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.24

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensati

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	8. Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans a. Stock-Based Compensation In May 2015, 2015 "2015 2005 "2005 2012 "2012 2015 2005 2012 2005 2012 2015 May 2015, 2015 The 2015 2015 may 650,000 may 2015 may one (1) 2015 3,250,000 2015 May 13, 2025. Under the 2015 50% 50% 2015, 50% 100%. 10% Stock-based compensation charges were approximately $4.0 $7.0 $4.5 December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, The Company received $13.2 $9.9 $24.4 December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, $1.8 $3.2 $5.3 December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Listed below are the weighted average assumptions used for the fair value computation: Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield (1) 0.99 % 0.80 % 1.06 % Expected volatility (2) 27.91 % 25.88 % 28.01 % Risk-free interest rate (3) 0.90 % 0.98 % 0.82 % Expected terms (in years) (4) 2.74 2.74 2.74 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 4.28 $ 5.00 $ 3.96 (1) Dividend yield - the dividend yield is based on our historical experience and future expectation of dividend payouts. (2) Expected volatility - we analyzed the volatility of our stock using historical data. (3) Risk-free interest rate - the risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury securities at a constant maturity with a maturity period that most closely resembles the expected term of the stock option award. (4) Expected term - the expected term of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and has been determined based on an analysis of historical exercise behavior. As of December 31, 2016, $3.4 1.7 3.2 A summary of the award activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 2016 2015 2014 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 2,008,872 $ 21.41 2,142,971 $ 17.80 3,374,846 $ 16.26 Granted 569,480 $ 24.23 590,141 $ 29.81 399,550 $ 22.74 Exercised (708,244 ) $ 18.62 (594,673 ) $ 16.65 (1,551,400 ) $ 15.73 Forfeited and Expired (132,708 ) $ 24.95 (129,567 ) $ 21.76 (80,025 ) $ 17.90 Outstanding at end of year 1,737,400 $ 23.19 2,008,872 $ 21.41 2,142,971 $ 17.80 Vested and exercisable at end of year 605,627 $ 19.26 989,396 $ 17.45 1,383,888 $ 16.86 Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period $ 4.28 $ 5.00 $ 3.96 As of December 31, 2016, 1,664,830. $23.08, 2.8 $16.6 The following table summarizes information about stock options to purchase the Company's common stock at December 31, 2016: Range of Exercise Prices Shares Outstanding Weighted Avg. Contractual Years Remaining Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Per Share Number Vested and Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Per Share for Vested and Exercisable $12.63 - 14.73 1,000 2.08 $ 13.34 1,000 $ 13.34 $14.74 - 16.83 205,109 1.56 $ 15.26 138,545 $ 15.09 $16.84 - 18.94 346,150 1.44 $ 17.85 326,870 $ 17.80 $18.95 - 33.27 1,185,141 3.54 $ 26.14 139,212 $ 26.97 Overall Total 1,737,400 2.89 $ 23.19 605,627 $ 19.26 The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the twelve $7.1 $8.3 $17.8 2016, 2015, 2014, December 31, 2016, December 31, 2016, $17.2 $8.3 December 31, 2016, 1.8 years. The Company also issues restricted stock units ("RSUs') to its employees. The Company 's RSU program consists of service based awards that vest gradually over a period ranging from five 13 December 31, 2016, $8.2 3.3 6.1 RSUs not yet vested are entitled to accumulate quarterly cash dividends that are paid to shareholders holding outstanding shares of the Company 's common stock. Accrued dividends are paid to recipients as the RSUs vest. Accrued dividends are forfeited if RSUs are canceled or terminated. Dividends paid under the RSU program are charged to retained earnings. The following tables summarize the Company's restricted stock award activity for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at January 1 879,173 $ 16.45 1,073,546 $ 16.22 1,213,698 $ 16.04 Granted 17,000 $ 16.46 13,950 $ 29.11 17,017 $ 27.63 Vested (181,767 ) $ 16.48 (188,253 ) $ 16.03 (128,659 ) $ 16.07 Forfeited and Expired (27,620 ) $ 16.23 (20,070 ) $ 16.64 (28,510 ) $ 16.23 Outstanding (unvested) at end of year 686,786 $ 16.46 879,173 $ 16.45 1,073,546 $ 16.22 The Company issues performance restricted stock units ("PRSUs'), to selected key employees, that may three 0 150 75 125 The fair value of each PRSU grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo Simulation valuation model. Listed below are the weighted average assumptions used for the fair value computation: Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield (1) 0.99 % 0.80 % 1.06 % Expected volatility (2) 27.95 % 23.18 % 26.11 % Average peer volatility (2) 34.37 % 30.70 % 36.01 % Average peer correlation coefficient (3) 0.60 0.49 0.58 Risk-free interest rate (4) 0.89 % 0.78 % 0.66 % Expected term (5) 2.84 2.63 2.80 Weighted-average fair value of PRSUs granted $ 23.89 $ 29.30 $ 23.85 (1) The dividend yield, used to project stock price to the end of the performance period, is based on our historical experience and future expectation of dividend payouts. Total shareholder return is determined assuming that dividends are reinvested in the issuing entity over the performance period, which is mathematically equivalent to utilizing a 0% (2) We (or peer company) estimated volatility using our (or their) historical share price performance over the remaining performance period as of the grant date. (3) The correlation coefficients are used to model the way in which each entity tends (4) The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury securities at a constant maturity with a maturity period that most closely resembles the expected term of the performance award. (5) Since the Monte Carlo simulation valuation is an open form model that uses an expected life commensurate with the performance period, the expected life of the PRSUs was assumed to be the period from the grant date to the end of the performance period. The performance measurement period for PRSUs granted in 2016 January 1, 2016 December 31, 2018, 2015 April 1, 2015 December 31, 2017, 2014 January 1, 2014 December 31, 2016. 13 A summary of the award activity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 2016 2015 2014 Number of Performance Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Performance Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Performance Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at January 1 341,782 $ 26.46 181,112 $ 23.85 - - Granted 177,741 $ 23.89 165,720 $ 29.30 181,112 $ 23.85 Shares earned above target 2,516 - - - - - Vested (5,391 ) $ 23.85 - - - - Cancelled (8,170 ) $ 25.21 (5,050 ) $ 26.20 - - Unvested at December 31 508,478 $ 25.60 341,782 $ 26.46 181,112 $ 23.85 As of December 31, 2016, $2.7 2.4 3.1 b. 401(k) The Company has a 401(k) "401(k) 18 six 401(k) $1,400 2016 100% $1,150 2015. 2017 $1,600. 401(k) 2016, 2015, 2014, five $1.2 $0.8 $0.5 2016, 2015, 2014,

Note 9 - Company Share Repurcha

Note 9 - Company Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	9. Company Share Repurchase Program In 2011, 10.0 The Company repurchased approximately 1.6 December 31, 2016 2015, no 2014. December 31, 2016, 4.2

Note 10 - Segment Information

Note 10 - Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Segment Information The Company has two three two The Company, in determining its reportable operating segments, focuses on financial information such as total revenues and expenses, operating income, operating ratios, and other key operating statistics common in the industry. The chief operating decision maker also uses this information to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources to the Company's operations. The Company's operating segments provide transportation and related services for one The following table sets forth revenue and operating income between the Trucking and Logistics segments for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 201 6 201 5 201 4 $ % $ % $ % Revenues: Trucking Segment $ 900,368 80.5 % $ 952,098 80.5 % $ 892,124 80.9 % Logistics Segment 226,912 20.3 249,365 21.1 214,378 19.4 Subtotal 1,127,280 1,201,463 1,106,502 Intersegment Eliminations Trucking (124 ) 0.0 (163 ) 0.0 (65 ) 0.0 Intersegment Eliminations Logistics (9,122 ) (0.8 ) (18,336 ) (1.6 ) (4,105 ) (0.3 ) Total $ 1,118,034 100 % $ 1,182,964 100 % $ 1,102,332 100 % Operating Income: Trucking Segment $ 136,229 91.7 % $ 162,143 91.1 % $ 147,424 90.6 % Logistics Segment 12,250 8.3 15,857 8.9 15,298 9.4 Total $ 148,479 100 % $ 178,000 100 % $ 162,722 100 % No segmental asset or liability information is provided as the Company does not prepare balance sheets by segment, and the chief operating decision maker does not review segment assets or liabilities to make operating decisions.

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-N

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation Inc.	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. On October 1, 2014, 100% Barr-Nunn is a transportation services carrier headquartered near Des Moines, Iowa, offering dry van truckload transportation and logistics services, with its primary operating territory in the eastern United States. Barr-Nunn had an enterprise value at closing of approximately $112.4 $111.2 December 2014 $0.7 $110.5 338(h)(10). The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions. At closing, $8.0 The results of the acquired business have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and represented 12.0% December 31, 2014, 3.0% 2014, 3.8% 2014. $429,000 December 31, 2014. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 January 1, 2014 (Unaudited) Year ended December 31, 2014 Total revenue $ 1,192,745 Net income 109,787 These pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been obtained if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or that may The allocation of the purchase price is provided in the tables below (in thousands). The final purchase price allocation was subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment, and subject to earn-out amounts achieved, and other adjustments. The goodwill recognized represents expected synergies from combining the operations of the Company with Barr-Nunn, including enhanced service offerings and sharing best practices in terms of driver recruiting and retention, as well as other intangible assets that did not meet the criteria for separate recognition. All tax goodwill recognized in the transaction is deductible for tax purposes over 15 no ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE Total fair value of consideration transferred $ 110,517 Allocated to: Historical book value of Barr-Nunn's assets and liabilities (excluding cash) $ 71,656 Adjustments to recognize assets and liabilities at acquisition-date fair value: Property, and equipment 3,349 Liabilities (5,023 ) Fair value of tangible net assets acquired 69,982 Identifiable intangibles at acquisition-date fair value 3,700 Excess of consideration transferred over the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized, including $3.5 million attributable to the fair value of a potential earn-out obligation (goodwill) $ 36,835 Excess of consideration transferred over the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized (goodwill) was subject to final purchase price adjustment related to earn-out amounts achieved (if any) and other adjustments. The assets and liabilities associated with Barr-Nunn were recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date and the amounts are as follows (in thousands): Trade receivables $ 11,380 Other current assets 2,316 Property and equipment 68,444 Goodwill 36,835 Intangible assets 3,700 Total assets 122,675 Accounts payable (3,311 ) Accrued liabilities (5,638 ) Claims accruals (3,209 ) Total consideration transferred $ 110,517 TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE CONSIDERATION Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase and Real Estate Purchase Agreements $ 110,517 The Stock Purchase Agreement also provides for a potential one $3.5 four September 30, 2015. four September 30, 2015. October 2015.

Note 12 - Quarterly Financial D

Note 12 - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	12. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) The following table sets forth certain unaudited information about the Company's revenue and results of operations on a quarterly basis for 2016 2015 201 6 Mar 31 (1) June 30 (1) Sept 30 (1) Dec 31 Revenue, before fuel surcharge $ 253,583 $ 253,859 $ 256,243 $ 264,464 Income from operations $ 38,727 $ 38,081 $ 36,934 $ 34,736 Net income attributable to Knight Transportation $ 23,017 $ 24,918 $ 23,767 $ 22,161 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.29 $ 0.31 $ 0.30 $ 0.28 Diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.31 $ 0.29 $ 0.27 201 5 Mar 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31 Revenue, before fuel surcharge $ 257,214 $ 268,623 $ 269,930 $ 265,972 Income from operations $ 46,304 $ 41,619 $ 46,426 $ 43,652 Net income attributable to Knight Transportation $ 29,563 $ 27,638 $ 30,283 $ 29,235 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.36 $ 0.34 $ 0.37 $ 0.36 Diluted $ 0.36 $ 0.33 $ 0.37 $ 0.36 (1) Due to the early adoption of ASU 2016 09 fourth 2016, 1

Note 13 - Subsequent Events

Note 13 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	13. Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2016, 10

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	KNIGHT TRANSPORTATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 (in thousands) Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for Bad Debt Other Accounts (1) Bad Debt Write-offs Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful trade receivables: Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 3,106 $ 909 - $ (1,288 ) $ 2,727 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 3,355 $ 1,333 - $ (1,582 ) $ 3,106 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 2,409 $ 1,309 $ 146 $ (509 ) $ 3,355 Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for Credit Losses Other Accounts Bad Debt Write-offs Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful notes receivable: Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 273 $ (27 ) - $ (6 ) $ 240 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 351 $ 26 - $ (104 ) $ 273 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 312 $ 42 - $ (3 ) $ 351 (1)

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation -
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates -
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents three may may
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Notes Receivable third 2% 20%. 78 104 third December 31, 2016 2015, The notes receivable balances are classified separately between current and long-term notes in the consolidated balance sheets. The current and long-term balances of our notes receivables as of December 31, 2016 2015 201 6 201 5 Notes receivable from independent contractors $ 1,039 $ 794 Notes receivable from third parties 2,808 3,546 Gross notes receivable 3,847 4,340 Allowance for doubtful notes receivable (240 ) (273 ) Total notes receivable, net of allowance $ 3,607 $ 4,067 Current portion, net of allowance 560 648 Long-term portion $ 3,047 $ 3,419
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held for Sale [Policy Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale $9.6 $29.3 December 31, 2016 2015, No 2016, 2015, 2014. 12
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment - Years Land improvements 5 - 15 Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 Furniture and fixtures 3 - 10 Shop and service equipment 2 - 10 Revenue equipment 5 - 10 Leasehold improvements 1 - 5 To ensure that our facilities remain modern and efficient, we periodically have facility upgrades, or new construction, in process at our various service center locations or corporate headquarters. Until these projects are completed, we consider these assets not yet placed in service and they are not depreciated. Once they are placed in service, we depreciate them according to our depreciation policy. At December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015, $13.0 $17.5 The Company expenses repairs and maintenance as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, $31.2 $33.4 $30.9 The Company periodically reviews the reasonableness of its estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values for revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, the Company's experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice. Tires on revenue equipment purchased are capitalized as a part of the equipment cost and depreciated over the life of the vehicle. Replacement tires and recapping costs are expensed when placed in service.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Long-term Assets and Restricted Cash and Investments 201 6 201 5 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners (TRP) $ 214 $ 300 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners III (TRP III) 5,882 5,752 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners IV (TRP IV) 1,882 - Investment in Transportation Resource Partners CoInvest Partners, (NTI) I, LP (TRP Coinvestment) 10,000 - Investment in Transportation Resource Partners CoInvest Partners, (QLS) I, LP (TRP Coinvestment QLS) 9,735 - Restricted Cash and Investments 3,288 3,282 Available-For-Sale Equity Securities - 7,101 Other 1,822 2,497 $ 32,823 $ 18,932 In 2003, $5.0 $260.0 1.9% 2006, $5.5 No 2016 $208,000 2015. 2014, $2.1 $0.5 $1.6 $86,000, $177,000, $1.0 2016, 2015, 2014, 2.3%, $214,000 $300,000 December 31, 2016 2015, In 2008, $15.0 2015, $2.1 December 31, 2016, $11.1 $1.8 $533,000, $422,000, $6.1 December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2016, $496,000 December 31, 2016, $5.9 $5.8 December 31, 2015. 6.1% December 31, 2016. In 2015, $4.9 $116.1 4.2% $2.0 $2.9 December 31, 2016. No 2015 2016. In the first 2016, $10.0 December 31, 2016. 323 No 2016, December 31, 2016 $10.0 In the third 2016, $9.7 no December 31, 2016. 323 2016, December 31, 2016 $9.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash and Investments – $3.3 December 31, 2016 2015. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 210, Balance Sheet 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – 360 10, Property, Plant and Equipment 360 10, Long-lived Assets may
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill & Intangibles, net 350 20, Goodwill first two 350 20. two may second In 2015, June 30 September 30. June 30, 2016, June 30, 2015, In conjunction with the acquisition of Roads West in 2006, 740, Income Taxes two 805, Business Combination first second no second five December 31, 2011. The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill were as follows (in thousands): 201 6 201 5 Goodwill at beginning of period $ 47,050 $ 47,067 Acquisition - - Amortization relating to deferred tax assets (19 ) (17 ) Goodwill at end of period $ 47,031 $ 47,050 Identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization relate to customer relations and trade names acquired through the 2014 Intangible asset balances were as follows (in thousands): 201 6 201 5 Gross carrying amount $ 3,700 $ 3,700 Accumulated amortization (1,125 ) (625 ) Intangible assets, net $ 2,575 $ 3,075 These intangible assets are amortized over a weighted average amortization period of 7.6 $0.5 $0.5 $0.1 December 31, 2016, December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014, $0.5 2017 2019, $0.4 2020 2021.
Claims Accrual [Policy Text Block]	Claims Accrual - third may
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition - In accordance with ASC 605 45, Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent Consideration third
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 30 Allowance for Doubtful Notes Receivable
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets are not more likely than not to be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets has not been deemed necessary due to the Company's profitable operations. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments The Company's financial instruments include cash equivalents, investments held for trading, available-for-sale securities, trade receivables, notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. Due to the short-term nature of cash equivalents, trade receivables, and accounts payable, the fair value of these instruments approximates their recorded value. Available-for-sale and trading securities consist of marketable equity and debt securities stated at fair value. Due to the variable interest rate, the carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair value.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Credit Risk - three 15.4%, 11.5% 11.7% 2016, 2015 2014, December 31, 2016, three 13.9% 12.0% December 31, 2015. 6.5% December 31, 2016, 4.5%, 4.3%, 2015, 2014, 9.1% December 31, 2016, 1.2% December 31, 2015.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings Per Share 2016, 2015, 2014 201 6 201 5 201 4 Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Basic EPS $ 93,863 80,362 $ 1.17 $ 116,718 81,491 $ 1.43 $ 102,862 80,947 $ 1.27 Effect of stock options & restricted stock - 866 - 976 - 1,095 Diluted EPS $ 93,863 81,228 $ 1.16 $ 116,718 82,467 $ 1.42 $ 102,862 82,042 $ 1.25 Certain shares of options, restricted stock units, and performance restricted stock units (“equity awards”) were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the equity award’s exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and the sum total of assumed proceeds resulted in fewer shares repurchased than the weighted equity awards outstanding hypothetically exercised per the treasury method. A summary of those shares for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 201 6 201 5 201 4 Number of anti-dilutive shares 885,623 387,969 232,803
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2016 In March 2016, 2016 09, 718): January 1, 2017, During the fourth 2016, January 1, 2016, , rather than additional paid-in capital as previously recognized. The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation expense to be recognized. These amendments to the accounting for income taxes and minimum statutory withholding tax requirements had no impact to retained earnings as of January 1, 2016, The adoption of the new standard resulted in a reduction to the provision for income taxes in 2016 $1.8 unaudited selected quarterly data previously reported for fiscal year 2016 12 Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In November 2016, 2016 18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): December 15, 2017, In August 2016, 2016 15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 203): eight December 15, 2017. In March 2016, 2016 08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): 2014 09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) two The amendments in these updates will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, January 1, 2017. The Company is in the early stages of evaluating the effect that adopting the new guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company has established a team to evaluate and implement this standard and expects to complete the evaluation and provide additional information about any financial impact of adoption by the time the Company files its Quarterly Report on Form 10 June 30, 2017. In February 2016, 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842). 12 In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies may December 15, 2018, In January 2016, 2016 01, Financial Instruments–Overall (Subtopic 825 10). December 15, 2017,

Note 1 - Organization and Sum24

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 Notes receivable from independent contractors $ 1,039 $ 794 Notes receivable from third parties 2,808 3,546 Gross notes receivable 3,847 4,340 Allowance for doubtful notes receivable (240 ) (273 ) Total notes receivable, net of allowance $ 3,607 $ 4,067 Current portion, net of allowance 560 648 Long-term portion $ 3,047 $ 3,419
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block]	Years Land improvements 5 - 15 Buildings and improvements 10 - 30 Furniture and fixtures 3 - 10 Shop and service equipment 2 - 10 Revenue equipment 5 - 10 Leasehold improvements 1 - 5
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners (TRP) $ 214 $ 300 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners III (TRP III) 5,882 5,752 Investment in Transportation Resource Partners IV (TRP IV) 1,882 - Investment in Transportation Resource Partners CoInvest Partners, (NTI) I, LP (TRP Coinvestment) 10,000 - Investment in Transportation Resource Partners CoInvest Partners, (QLS) I, LP (TRP Coinvestment QLS) 9,735 - Restricted Cash and Investments 3,288 3,282 Available-For-Sale Equity Securities - 7,101 Other 1,822 2,497 $ 32,823 $ 18,932
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 Goodwill at beginning of period $ 47,050 $ 47,067 Acquisition - - Amortization relating to deferred tax assets (19 ) (17 ) Goodwill at end of period $ 47,031 $ 47,050
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 Gross carrying amount $ 3,700 $ 3,700 Accumulated amortization (1,125 ) (625 ) Intangible assets, net $ 2,575 $ 3,075
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Net Income ( numerator ) Shares ( denominator ) Per Share Amount Basic EPS $ 93,863 80,362 $ 1.17 $ 116,718 81,491 $ 1.43 $ 102,862 80,947 $ 1.27 Effect of stock options & restricted stock - 866 - 976 - 1,095 Diluted EPS $ 93,863 81,228 $ 1.16 $ 116,718 82,467 $ 1.42 $ 102,862 82,042 $ 1.25
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 Number of anti-dilutive shares 885,623 387,969 232,803

Note 2 - Fair Value Measureme25

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	Level One Level Two Level Three Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Balance at December 31, 201 6 Balance at December 31, 201 5 Assets: Available-for-sale Securities: Equity securities - common shares - $ 7,101 - $ 7,101 - - - - Restricted cash and investments: Money market funds $ 1,385 $ 1,003 $ 1,385 $ 1,003 - - - - Trading Securities: Debt securities - municipal securities $ 1,903 $ 2,279 - - $ 1,903 $ 2,279 - -
Other Income [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	December 31, 201 6 201 5 201 4 Sales proceeds $ 7,403 $ 12,528 $ 6,355 Cost of securities sold 2,909 3,937 3,190 Realized gain $ 4,494 $ 8,591 $ 3,165 Realized gains, net of taxes $ 2,771 $ 5,273 $ 1,932

Note 4 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 4 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Current income taxes: Federal $ 43,638 $ 41,549 $ 42,101 State 8,500 4,966 8,648 52,138 46,515 50,749 Deferred income taxes: Federal 6,789 19,666 12,644 State (1,335 ) 1,866 4,416 5,454 21,532 17,060 $ 57,592 $ 68,047 $ 67,809
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Tax at the statutory rate (35%) $ 53,490 $ 65,277 $ 60,141 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 4,657 4,441 8,492 Nondeductible driver per diem 1,685 1,982 1,885 Other, net (2,240 ) (3,653 ) (2,709 ) $ 57,592 $ 68,047 $ 67,809
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Deferred tax liabilities (assets): Property and equipment depreciation $ 192,363 $ 185,678 Claims accrual (11,355 ) (10,578 ) Stock compensation (3,101 ) (3,837 ) Investments (440 ) 582 Prepaid expenses deducted for tax purposes 2,737 2,947 Other, net (2,204 ) (627 ) Deferred tax liabilities, net $ 178,000 $ 174,165
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ - $ - $ - Additions for tax positions of prior years 729 - - Ending balance $ 729 $ - $ -

Note 5 - Commitments and Cont27

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Year Ending December 31, Amount 2017 4,253 2018 2,725 2019 572 2020 277 2021 40 2022 4 Total $ 7,871

Note 6 - Claims Accrual (Tables

Note 6 - Claims Accrual (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Auto reserves $ 21,474 $ 18,926 Workers' compensation reserves 7,935 8,815 Employee medical reserves 2,514 3,238 Total reserves $ 31,923 $ 30,979 Current portion $ 18,633 $ 19,471 Long-term portion $ 13,290 $ 11,508
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 30,979 $ 30,037 Provisions recorded 51,323 52,031 Claims paid and direct expenses (50,379 ) (51,089 ) Total reserves $ 31,923 $ 30,979

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Nonemployee Director Stock Award Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 Annual director fees paid through stock issuance $ 398,189 $ 354,168 $ 200,484 Shares of common stock issued 15,026 11,853 8,828 Dividends paid per common share $ 0.24 $ 0.24 $ 0.24

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensa30

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield (1) 0.99 % 0.80 % 1.06 % Expected volatility (2) 27.91 % 25.88 % 28.01 % Risk-free interest rate (3) 0.90 % 0.98 % 0.82 % Expected terms (in years) (4) 2.74 2.74 2.74 Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 4.28 $ 5.00 $ 3.96
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 2,008,872 $ 21.41 2,142,971 $ 17.80 3,374,846 $ 16.26 Granted 569,480 $ 24.23 590,141 $ 29.81 399,550 $ 22.74 Exercised (708,244 ) $ 18.62 (594,673 ) $ 16.65 (1,551,400 ) $ 15.73 Forfeited and Expired (132,708 ) $ 24.95 (129,567 ) $ 21.76 (80,025 ) $ 17.90 Outstanding at end of year 1,737,400 $ 23.19 2,008,872 $ 21.41 2,142,971 $ 17.80 Vested and exercisable at end of year 605,627 $ 19.26 989,396 $ 17.45 1,383,888 $ 16.86 Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period $ 4.28 $ 5.00 $ 3.96
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	Range of Exercise Prices Shares Outstanding Weighted Avg. Contractual Years Remaining Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Per Share Number Vested and Exercisable Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Per Share for Vested and Exercisable $12.63 - 14.73 1,000 2.08 $ 13.34 1,000 $ 13.34 $14.74 - 16.83 205,109 1.56 $ 15.26 138,545 $ 15.09 $16.84 - 18.94 346,150 1.44 $ 17.85 326,870 $ 17.80 $18.95 - 33.27 1,185,141 3.54 $ 26.14 139,212 $ 26.97 Overall Total 1,737,400 2.89 $ 23.19 605,627 $ 19.26
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield (1) 0.99 % 0.80 % 1.06 % Expected volatility (2) 27.95 % 23.18 % 26.11 % Average peer volatility (2) 34.37 % 30.70 % 36.01 % Average peer correlation coefficient (3) 0.60 0.49 0.58 Risk-free interest rate (4) 0.89 % 0.78 % 0.66 % Expected term (5) 2.84 2.63 2.80 Weighted-average fair value of PRSUs granted $ 23.89 $ 29.30 $ 23.85
Share-based Compensation, Performance Shares Award Unvested Activity [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Number of Performance Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Performance Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Performance Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at January 1 341,782 $ 26.46 181,112 $ 23.85 - - Granted 177,741 $ 23.89 165,720 $ 29.30 181,112 $ 23.85 Shares earned above target 2,516 - - - - - Vested (5,391 ) $ 23.85 - - - - Cancelled (8,170 ) $ 25.21 (5,050 ) $ 26.20 - - Unvested at December 31 508,478 $ 25.60 341,782 $ 26.46 181,112 $ 23.85
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of Restricted Stock Awards Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested at January 1 879,173 $ 16.45 1,073,546 $ 16.22 1,213,698 $ 16.04 Granted 17,000 $ 16.46 13,950 $ 29.11 17,017 $ 27.63 Vested (181,767 ) $ 16.48 (188,253 ) $ 16.03 (128,659 ) $ 16.07 Forfeited and Expired (27,620 ) $ 16.23 (20,070 ) $ 16.64 (28,510 ) $ 16.23 Outstanding (unvested) at end of year 686,786 $ 16.46 879,173 $ 16.45 1,073,546 $ 16.22

Note 10 - Segment Information (

Note 10 - Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 $ % $ % $ % Revenues: Trucking Segment $ 900,368 80.5 % $ 952,098 80.5 % $ 892,124 80.9 % Logistics Segment 226,912 20.3 249,365 21.1 214,378 19.4 Subtotal 1,127,280 1,201,463 1,106,502 Intersegment Eliminations Trucking (124 ) 0.0 (163 ) 0.0 (65 ) 0.0 Intersegment Eliminations Logistics (9,122 ) (0.8 ) (18,336 ) (1.6 ) (4,105 ) (0.3 ) Total $ 1,118,034 100 % $ 1,182,964 100 % $ 1,102,332 100 % Operating Income: Trucking Segment $ 136,229 91.7 % $ 162,143 91.1 % $ 147,424 90.6 % Logistics Segment 12,250 8.3 15,857 8.9 15,298 9.4 Total $ 148,479 100 % $ 178,000 100 % $ 162,722 100 %

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr32

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation Inc. (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	(Unaudited) Year ended December 31, 2014 Total revenue $ 1,192,745 Net income 109,787
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PRICE Total fair value of consideration transferred $ 110,517 Allocated to: Historical book value of Barr-Nunn's assets and liabilities (excluding cash) $ 71,656 Adjustments to recognize assets and liabilities at acquisition-date fair value: Property, and equipment 3,349 Liabilities (5,023 ) Fair value of tangible net assets acquired 69,982 Identifiable intangibles at acquisition-date fair value 3,700 Excess of consideration transferred over the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized, including $3.5 million attributable to the fair value of a potential earn-out obligation (goodwill) $ 36,835 Trade receivables $ 11,380 Other current assets 2,316 Property and equipment 68,444 Goodwill 36,835 Intangible assets 3,700 Total assets 122,675 Accounts payable (3,311 ) Accrued liabilities (5,638 ) Claims accruals (3,209 ) Total consideration transferred $ 110,517 TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE CONSIDERATION Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase and Real Estate Purchase Agreements $ 110,517

Note 12 - Quarterly Financial33

Note 12 - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	201 6 Mar 31 (1) June 30 (1) Sept 30 (1) Dec 31 Revenue, before fuel surcharge $ 253,583 $ 253,859 $ 256,243 $ 264,464 Income from operations $ 38,727 $ 38,081 $ 36,934 $ 34,736 Net income attributable to Knight Transportation $ 23,017 $ 24,918 $ 23,767 $ 22,161 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.29 $ 0.31 $ 0.30 $ 0.28 Diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.31 $ 0.29 $ 0.27 201 5 Mar 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31 Revenue, before fuel surcharge $ 257,214 $ 268,623 $ 269,930 $ 265,972 Income from operations $ 46,304 $ 41,619 $ 46,426 $ 43,652 Net income attributable to Knight Transportation $ 29,563 $ 27,638 $ 30,283 $ 29,235 Earnings per common share: Basic $ 0.36 $ 0.34 $ 0.37 $ 0.36 Diluted $ 0.36 $ 0.33 $ 0.37 $ 0.36

Schedule II - Valuation and Q34

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Valuation Allowance for Impairment of Recognized Servicing Assets [Table Text Block]	Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for Bad Debt Other Accounts (1) Bad Debt Write-offs Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful trade receivables: Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 3,106 $ 909 - $ (1,288 ) $ 2,727 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 3,355 $ 1,333 - $ (1,582 ) $ 3,106 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 2,409 $ 1,309 $ 146 $ (509 ) $ 3,355 Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for Credit Losses Other Accounts Bad Debt Write-offs Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful notes receivable: Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 273 $ (27 ) - $ (6 ) $ 240 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 351 $ 26 - $ (104 ) $ 273 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 312 $ 42 - $ (3 ) $ 351

Note 1 - Organization and Sum35

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2006USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2003USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Number of Reportable Segments			2
Loans Outstanding, Independent Contractors			78	104
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets			$ 9,600,000	$ 29,300,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use			0	0	$ 0
Cost of Property Repairs and Maintenance			31,200,000	33,400,000	30,900,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			5,454,000	21,532,000	$ 17,060,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization			1,125,000	$ 625,000
Reclassification from Equity to a Reduction to the Provision for Income Taxes [Member]
Current Period Reclassification			$ 1,800,000
Three Largest Customers [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage			15.40%	11.50%	11.70%
Three Largest Customers [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage			13.90%	12.00%
Single Largest Customer [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage			6.50%	4.50%	4.30%
Single Largest Customer [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage			9.10%	1.20%
Self Insurance Program [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents			$ 3,300,000	$ 3,300,000
Roads West [Member]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)						$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life						5 years
Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. [Member]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					$ 0
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			7 years 219 days
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization			$ 500,000	500,000	100,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months			500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two			500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three			500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four			400,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five			$ 400,000
Transportation Resource Partners [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures							$ 5,000,000
Total Amounts Committed to Partnership							$ 260,000,000
Joint Venture, Ownership Interest			2.30%				1.90%
Amounts Committed to Invest						$ 5,500,000
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments			$ 0	(208,000)	(2,100,000)
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital					500,000
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments					1,600,000
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net			86,000	177,000	1,000,000
Investments			214,000	300,000
Transportation Resource Partners III [Member]
Amounts Committed to Invest								$ 15,000,000
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments			(496,000)
Investments			11,100,000
Amounts Committed to Invest, Commitment Release				2,100,000
Remaining Investment Commitment			1,800,000
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments			533,000	422,000	$ 6,100,000
Equity Method Investments			$ 5,882,000	5,752,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			6.10%
Transportation Resource Partners IV [Member]
Total Amounts Committed to Partnership			$ 116,100,000
Joint Venture, Ownership Interest			4.20%
Amounts Committed to Invest			$ 4,900,000
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments			2,000,000
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments			0	0
Remaining Investment Commitment			2,900,000
Transportation Resource Partners NTI [Member]
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments		$ 10,000,000
Remaining Investment Commitment			0
Equity Method Investments			10,000,000
Transportation Resource Partners (QLS) [Member]
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments	$ 9,700,000
Remaining Investment Commitment			0
Equity Method Investments			9,735,000
Building and Building Improvements, Gross [Member]
Construction in Progress, Gross			$ 13,000,000	$ 17,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Interest on Note Receivable, Minimum			2.00%
Maximum [Member]
Interest on Note Receivable, Maximum			20.00%

Note 1 - Summary of Significant

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Current and Long-term Balances of Notes Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Notes receivable from independent contractors	$ 1,039	$ 794
Notes receivable from third parties	2,808	3,546
Gross notes receivable	3,847	4,340
Allowance for doubtful notes receivable	(240)	(273)
Total notes receivable, net of allowance	3,607	4,067
Current portion, net of allowance	560	648
Long-term portion	$ 3,047	$ 3,419

Note 1 - Organization and Sum37

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Land Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	5 years
Land Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	15 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	30 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	10 years
Shop and Service Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	2 years
Shop and Service Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	10 years
Revenue Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	5 years
Revenue Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	1 year
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful life (Year)	5 years

Note 1 - Organization and Sum38

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Long-term Assets and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash and Investments	$ 3,288,000	$ 3,282,000
Available-For-Sale Equity Securities		7,101,000
Other	1,822,000	2,497,000
	32,823,000	18,932,000
Transportation Resource Partners [Member]
Investments	214,000	300,000
Transportation Resource Partners III [Member]
Equity Method Investments	5,882,000	5,752,000
Transportation Resource Partners IV [Member]
Investments	1,882,000
Transportation Resource Partners NTI [Member]
Equity Method Investments	10,000,000
Transportation Resource Partners (QLS) [Member]
Equity Method Investments	$ 9,735,000

Note 1 - Organization and Sum39

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 47,050	$ 47,067
Acquisition
Amortization relating to deferred tax assets	(19)	(17)
Goodwill at end of period	$ 47,031	$ 47,050

Note 1 - Organization and Sum40

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Intangible Asset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gross carrying amount	$ 3,700	$ 3,700
Accumulated amortization	(1,125)	(625)
Intangible assets, net	$ 2,575	$ 3,075

Note 1 - Organization and Sum41

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies- Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	[1]	Jun. 30, 2016	[1]	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Basic EPS												$ 93,863	$ 116,718	$ 102,862
Basic EPS (in shares)												80,362	81,491	80,947
Basic EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.30		$ 0.31		$ 0.29		$ 0.36	$ 0.37	$ 0.34	$ 0.36	$ 1.17	$ 1.43	$ 1.27
Effect of stock options & restricted stock (in shares)												866	976	1,095
Diluted EPS												$ 93,863	$ 116,718	$ 102,862
Diluted EPS (in shares)												81,228	82,467	82,042
Diluted EPS (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.29		$ 0.31		$ 0.28		$ 0.36	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.36	$ 1.16	$ 1.42	$ 1.25
[1]	Due to the early adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the fourth quarter of 2016, previously issued quarterly consolidated financial information has been recast to reflect the adoption. See Note 1 in these notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to this adoption.

Note 1 - Organization and Sum42

Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Anti-dilutive Shares (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Number of anti-dilutive shares (in shares)	885,623	387,969	232,803

Note 2 - Fair Value Measureme43

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 0	$ 7,100
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), before Tax		4,200
Available for Sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), Net of Tax		2,600
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 2,900

Note 2 - Fair Value Measureme44

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity securities - common shares		$ 7,101
Money market funds	1,385	1,003
Debt securities - municipal securities	1,903	2,279
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Equity securities - common shares		7,101
Money market funds	1,385	1,003
Debt securities - municipal securities
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Equity securities - common shares
Money market funds
Debt securities - municipal securities	1,903	2,279
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Equity securities - common shares
Money market funds
Debt securities - municipal securities

Note 2 - Fair Value Measureme45

Note 2 - Fair Value Measurements - Realized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Sales proceeds	$ 7,403	$ 12,528	$ 6,355
Cost of securities sold	2,909	3,937	3,190
Realized gain	4,494	8,591	3,165
Realized gains, net of taxes	$ 2,771	$ 5,273	$ 1,932

Note 3 - Line of Credit and L46

Note 3 - Line of Credit and Long-Term Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 250.7
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	300
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 18	$ 112
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	1.08%	0.88%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.625%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Unused Portion Fees [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period	1.32%	1.05%
Letter of Credit [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 31.3

Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 4 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 729
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	0	$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	700
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	1,800
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expires in 2020 [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	400
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Expires in 2021 [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 1,400
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open Tax Year	2,012
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Open Tax Year	2,016

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Income

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current income taxes:
Federal	$ 43,638	$ 41,549	$ 42,101
State	8,500	4,966	8,648
	52,138	46,515	50,749
Deferred income taxes:
Federal	6,789	19,666	12,644
State	(1,335)	1,866	4,416
	5,454	21,532	17,060
	$ 57,592	$ 68,047	$ 67,809

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Effecti

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax at the statutory rate (35%)	$ 53,490	$ 65,277	$ 60,141
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	4,657	4,441	8,492
Nondeductible driver per diem	1,685	1,982	1,885
Other, net	(2,240)	(3,653)	(2,709)
	$ 57,592	$ 68,047	$ 67,809

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Effec50

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Deferre

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax liabilities (assets):
Property and equipment depreciation	$ 192,363	$ 185,678
Claims accrual	(11,355)	(10,578)
Stock compensation	(3,101)	(3,837)
Investments, deferred tax assets	(440)
Investments, deferred tax liabilities		582
Prepaid expenses deducted for tax purposes	2,737	2,947
Other, net	(2,204)	(627)
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ 178,000	$ 174,165

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Unrecog

Note 4 - Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Beginning balance
Additions for tax positions of prior years	729
Ending balance	$ 729

Note 5 - Commitments and Cont53

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 119,000,000	$ 3,500,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	5,000,000	$ 4,700,000	$ 2,800,000
Estimated Litigation Liability	2,500,000
Transportation Resource Partners III [Member]
Remaining Investment Commitment	1,800,000
Transportation Resource Partners IV [Member]
Remaining Investment Commitment	$ 2,900,000

Note 5 - Commitments and Cont54

Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
2,017	$ 4,253
2,018	2,725
2,019	572
2,020	277
2,021	40
2,022	4
Total	$ 7,871

Note 6 - Claims Accrual (Detail

Note 6 - Claims Accrual (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance, Aggregate Deductible, Amount	$ 2,500,000
Insurance and Claim Expense [Member]
Claims Reserve Provisions Recorded	33,900,000	$ 33,400,000
Workers Compensation Expense [Member]
Claims Reserve Provisions Recorded	6,500,000	7,900,000
Medical Expense [Member]
Claims Reserve Provisions Recorded	10,900,000	$ 10,700,000
Policy Period, March 1, 2016 to March 1, 2017 [Member]
Self Insurance Retention	2,500,000
Self Retention for Employee Medical Health	240,000
Policy Period, March 1, 2015 to March 1, 2016 [Member]
Self Insurance Retention	2,500,000
Self Retention for Employee Medical Health	240,000
Policy Period, February 1, 2014 to March 1, 2015 [Member]
Self Retention for Employee Medical Health	225,000
Minimum [Member]
Self Insurance Retention	1,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Self Insurance Retention	3,000,000
Self Insurance, Aggregate Losses	1,500,000
Self Insurance Retention, Workers Compensation Claims per Occurrence	1,000,000
Excess Personal Injury and Property Damage Liability Insurance	$ 130,000,000

Note 6 - Claims Accrual - Curre

Note 6 - Claims Accrual - Current and Long-term Claim Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reserves	$ 31,923	$ 30,979
Current portion	18,633	19,471
Long-term portion	13,290	11,508
Auto Reserves [Member]
Reserves	21,474	18,926
Workers Compensation Reserves [Member]
Reserves	7,935	8,815
Employee Medical Reserves [Member]
Reserves	$ 2,514	$ 3,238

Note 6 - Claims Accrual - Recon

Note 6 - Claims Accrual - Reconciliation of Claim Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Beginning balance	$ 30,979
Total reserves	31,923	$ 30,979
Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. [Member]
Beginning balance	30,979	30,037
Claims Reserve Provisions Recorded	51,323	52,031
Claims paid and direct expenses	(50,379)	(51,089)
Total reserves	$ 31,923	$ 30,979

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity -

Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity - Annual Director Fees (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Annual director fees paid through stock issuance	$ 398,189	$ 354,168	$ 200,484
Shares of common stock issued (in shares)	15,026	11,853	8,828
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ 0.24	$ 0.24

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensa59

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee		650,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		3 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized		3,250,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 4,000,000	$ 7,000,000	$ 4,500,000
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised		13,188,000	9,930,000	24,366,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options		1,800,000	3,200,000	5,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 3,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number		1,664,830
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 23.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		2 years 292 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 16,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value		7,100,000	8,300,000	17,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value		17,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 8,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		1 year 292 days
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount		$ 1,400	1,150
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match		100.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized		$ 1,200,000	800,000	500,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Amount	$ 1,600
Restricted Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		6 years 36 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 8,200,000
Performance Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		3 years 36 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Payout Range, Performance Period		3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Payout Range, Lower Limit		0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Payout Range, Upper Limit		150.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Payout Modifier Range, Lower Limit		75.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Payout Modifier Range, Upper Limit		125.00%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options		$ 2,700,000
Minimum [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year
Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		5 years
Weighted Average [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		1 year 255 days
Weighted Average [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		3 years 109 days
Weighted Average [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 146 days
Maximum [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		13 years
Maximum [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		13 years

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensa60

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans - Stock Option Fair Value Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 4.28	$ 5	$ 3.96
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Dividend yield(1)	[1]	0.99%	0.80%	1.06%
Expected volatility(2)	[2]	27.91%	25.88%	28.01%
Risk-free interest rate(3)	[3]	0.90%	0.98%	0.82%
Expected terms (in years) (4) (Year)	[4]	2 years 270 days	2 years 270 days	2 years 270 days
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 4.28	$ 5	$ 3.96
[1]	Dividend yield - the dividend yield is based on our historical experience and future expectation of dividend payouts.
[2]	Expected volatility - we analyzed the volatility of our stock using historical data.
[3]	Risk-free interest rate - the risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury securities at a constant maturity with a maturity period that most closely resembles the expected term of the stock option award.
[4]	Expected term - the expected term of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and has been determined based on an analysis of historical exercise behavior.

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensa61

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plan - Summary of Option Award Activity under Equity Compensation Plan (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Outstanding at beginning of year, options (in shares)	2,008,872	2,142,971	3,374,846
Outstanding at beginning of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 21.41	$ 17.80	$ 16.26
Granted, options (in shares)	569,480	590,141	399,550
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.23	$ 29.81	$ 22.74
Exercised, options (in shares)	(708,244)	(594,673)	(1,551,400)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.62	$ 16.65	$ 15.73
Forfeited and Expired, options (in shares)	(132,708)	(129,567)	(80,025)
Forfeited and Expired, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.95	$ 21.76	$ 17.90
Outstanding at end of year, options (in shares)	1,737,400	2,008,872	2,142,971
Outstanding at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 23.19	$ 21.41	$ 17.80
Vested and exercisable at end of year, options (in shares)	605,627	989,396	1,383,888
Vested and exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.26	$ 17.45	$ 16.86
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.28	$ 5	$ 3.96

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensa62

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plan - Summary of Stock Option Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Range 1 [Member]
Lower exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 12.63
Upper exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 14.73
Shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,000
Weighted average contractual years remaining (Year)	2 years 29 days
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 13.34
Number vested and exercisable (in shares) | shares	1,000
Weighted average exercise price per share for vested and exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 13.34
Range 2 [Member]
Lower exercise price (in dollars per share)	14.74
Upper exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 16.83
Shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	205,109
Weighted average contractual years remaining (Year)	1 year 204 days
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 15.26
Number vested and exercisable (in shares) | shares	138,545
Weighted average exercise price per share for vested and exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 15.09
Range 3 [Member]
Lower exercise price (in dollars per share)	16.84
Upper exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 18.94
Shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	346,150
Weighted average contractual years remaining (Year)	1 year 160 days
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 17.85
Number vested and exercisable (in shares) | shares	326,870
Weighted average exercise price per share for vested and exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 17.80
Range 4 [Member]
Lower exercise price (in dollars per share)	18.95
Upper exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 33.27
Shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,185,141
Weighted average contractual years remaining (Year)	3 years 197 days
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 26.14
Number vested and exercisable (in shares) | shares	139,212
Weighted average exercise price per share for vested and exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 26.97
Range 5 [Member]
Shares outstanding (in shares) | shares	1,737,400
Weighted average contractual years remaining (Year)	2 years 324 days
Weighted average exercise price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 23.19
Number vested and exercisable (in shares) | shares	605,627
Weighted average exercise price per share for vested and exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 19.26

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensa63

Note 8 - Stock Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Unit Award Activity Under Compensation Plan (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unvested at January 1 (in shares)	879,173	1,073,546	1,213,698
Unvested at January 1 (in dollars per share)	$ 16.45	$ 16.22	$ 16.04
Granted (in shares)	17,000	13,950	17,017
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 16.46	$ 29.11	$ 27.63
Vested (in shares)	(181,767)	(188,253)	(128,659)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 16.48	$ 16.03	$ 16.07
Forfeited and Expired (in shares)	(27,620)	(20,070)	(28,510)
Forfeited and Expired (in dollars per share)	$ 16.23	$ 16.64	$ 16.23
Outstanding (unvested) at end of year (in shares)	686,786	879,173	1,073,546
Outstanding (unvested) at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 16.46	$ 16.45	$ 16.22

Note 8 - Stock-based Compensati

Note 8 - Stock-based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plan - Fair Value Assumptions, Performance Shares (Details) - Performance Shares [Member]		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares
Dividend yield(1)	[1]	0.99%	0.80%	1.06%
Expected volatility(2)	[2]	27.95%	23.18%	26.11%
Average peer volatility (2)	[2]	34.37%	30.70%	36.01%
Average peer correlation coefficient (3)	[3]	0.6	0.49	0.58
Risk-free interest rate(3)	[4]	0.89%	0.78%	0.66%
Expected terms (in years) (4) (Year)	[5]	2 years 306 days	2 years 229 days	2 years 292 days
Weighted-average fair value of PRSUs granted (in dollars per share)		$ 23.89	$ 29.30	$ 23.85
[1]	The dividend yield, used to project stock price to the end of the performance period, is based on our historical experience and future expectation of dividend payouts. Total shareholder return is determined assuming that dividends are reinvested in the issuing entity over the performance period, which is mathematically equivalent to utilizing a 0% dividend yield.
[2]	We (or peer company) estimated volatility using our (or their) historical share price performance over the remaining performance period as of the grant date.
[3]	The correlation coefficients are used to model the way in which each entity tends to move in relation to each other; the correlation assumptions were developed using the same stock price data as the volatility assumptions.
[4]	The risk-free interest rate assumption is based on U.S. Treasury securities at a constant maturity with a maturity period that most closely resembles the expected term of the performance award.
[5]	Since the Monte Carlo simulation valuation is an open form model that uses an expected life commensurate with the performance period, the expected life of the PRSUs was assumed to be the period from the grant date to the end of the performance period.

Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensa65

Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans - Summary of Award Activities (Details) - Performance Shares [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unvested at January 1 (in shares)	341,782	181,112
Unvested at January 1 (in dollars per share)	$ 26.46	$ 23.85
Granted, number (in shares)	177,741	165,720	181,112
Weighted-average fair value of PRSUs granted (in dollars per share)	$ 23.89	$ 29.30	$ 23.85
Shares earned above target, number (in shares)	2,516
Shares earned above target, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)
Vested, number (in shares)	(5,391)
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 23.85
Cancelled, number (in shares)	(8,170)	(5,050)
Cancelled, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 25.21	$ 26.20
Outstanding (unvested) at end of year (in shares)	508,478	341,782	181,112
Outstanding (unvested) at end of year (in dollars per share)	$ 25.60	$ 26.46	$ 23.85

Note 9 - Company Share Repurc66

Note 9 - Company Share Repurchase Program (Details Textual) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	May 31, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased				10,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	1,600	1,600	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	4,200

Note 10 - Segment Information67

Note 10 - Segment Information (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Number of Reportable Segments	2
Trucking Segment [Member]
Number of Operating Units	3
Logistics Segment [Member]
Number of Operating Units	2

Note 10 - Segment Information -

Note 10 - Segment Information - Revenue and Operating Income Between Trucking and Logistics Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	[1]	Jun. 30, 2016	[1]	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues												$ 1,118,034	$ 1,182,964	$ 1,102,332
Percentage of revenues												100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating income	$ 34,736	$ 36,934		$ 38,081		$ 38,727		$ 43,652	$ 46,426	$ 41,619	$ 46,304	$ 148,479	$ 178,000	$ 162,722
Percentage of operating income												100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member]
Revenues												$ 1,127,280	$ 1,201,463	$ 1,106,502
Percentage of revenues
Operating Segments [Member] | Trucking Segment [Member]
Revenues												$ 900,368	$ 952,098	$ 892,124
Percentage of revenues												80.50%	80.50%	80.90%
Operating income												$ 136,229	$ 162,143	$ 147,424
Percentage of operating income												91.70%	91.10%	90.60%
Operating Segments [Member] | Logistics Segment [Member]
Revenues												$ 226,912	$ 249,365	$ 214,378
Percentage of revenues												20.30%	21.10%	19.40%
Operating income												$ 12,250	$ 15,857	$ 15,298
Percentage of operating income												8.30%	8.90%	9.40%
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Trucking Segment [Member]
Revenues												$ (124)	$ (163)	$ (65)
Percentage of revenues												0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Logistics Segment [Member]
Revenues												$ (9,122)	$ (18,336)	$ (4,105)
Percentage of revenues												(0.80%)	(1.60%)	(0.30%)
[1]	Due to the early adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the fourth quarter of 2016, previously issued quarterly consolidated financial information has been recast to reflect the adoption. See Note 1 in these notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to this adoption.

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr69

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation Inc. (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ 5,454,000	$ 21,532,000	$ 17,060,000
Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Business Acquisition Value of Business	$ 112,400,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	111,200,000	$ 110,517,000	$ 110,500,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred						$ 700,000
Escrow Deposit	$ 8,000,000
Percentage of Acquired Business Assets			12.00%			12.00%
Percentage of Acquired Business Revenue			3.00%			3.00%
Percentage of Acquired Business Net Income			3.80%			3.80%
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs						$ 429,000
Goodwill, Tax Deductible Period						15 years
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)						$ 0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High		$ 3,500,000					$ 3,500,000

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr70

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation Inc. - Pro Forma Consolidated Results of Operations, Unaudited (Details) - Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Total revenue	$ 1,192,745
Net income	$ 109,787

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr71

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation Inc. - Allocation of the Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2014	Oct. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Adjustments to recognize assets and liabilities at acquisition-date fair value:
Goodwill			$ 47,067,000	$ 47,031,000	$ 47,050,000	$ 47,067,000
Claims accruals				(31,923,000)	(30,979,000)
Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase and Real Estate Purchase Agreements					3,500,000	110,517,000
Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 111,200,000	$ 110,517,000	110,500,000
Historical book value of Barr-Nunn?s assets and liabilities (excluding cash)		71,656,000
Adjustments to recognize assets and liabilities at acquisition-date fair value:
Property, and equipment		3,349,000
Liabilities		(5,023,000)
Fair value of tangible net assets acquired		69,982,000
Identifiable intangibles at acquisition-date fair value		3,700,000
Excess of consideration transferred over the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized, including $3.5 million attributable to the fair value of a potential earn-out obligation (goodwill)		36,835,000
Trade receivables		11,380,000
Other current assets		2,316,000
Property and equipment		68,444,000
Goodwill		36,835,000
Total assets		122,675,000
Accounts payable		(3,311,000)
Accrued liabilities		(5,638,000)
Claims accruals		(3,209,000)	(30,037,000)	$ (31,923,000)	$ (30,979,000)	$ (30,037,000)
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 111,200,000	110,517,000	$ 110,500,000
Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase and Real Estate Purchase Agreements		$ 110,517,000

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr72

Note 11 - Acquisition of Barr-Nunn Transportation Inc. - Allocation of the Purchase Price (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 01, 2014
Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	$ 3,500,000	$ 3,500,000

Note 12 - Quarterly Financial73

Note 12 - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	[1]	Jun. 30, 2016	[1]	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue, before fuel surcharge	$ 264,464	$ 256,243		$ 253,859		$ 253,583		$ 265,972	$ 269,930	$ 268,623	$ 257,214	$ 1,028,148	$ 1,061,739	$ 925,985
Income from operations	34,736	36,934		38,081		38,727		43,652	46,426	41,619	46,304	148,479	178,000	162,722
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation	$ 22,161	$ 23,767		$ 24,918		$ 23,017		$ 29,235	$ 30,283	$ 27,638	$ 29,563	$ 93,863	$ 116,718	$ 102,862
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ 0.30		$ 0.31		$ 0.29		$ 0.36	$ 0.37	$ 0.34	$ 0.36	$ 1.17	$ 1.43	$ 1.27
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.29		$ 0.31		$ 0.28		$ 0.36	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.36	$ 1.16	$ 1.42	$ 1.25
Revenue, before fuel surcharge	$ 264,464	$ 256,243		$ 253,859		$ 253,583		$ 265,972	$ 269,930	$ 268,623	$ 257,214	$ 1,028,148	$ 1,061,739	$ 925,985
Income from operations	34,736	36,934		38,081		38,727		43,652	46,426	41,619	46,304	148,479	178,000	162,722
Net income attributable to Knight Transportation	$ 22,161	$ 23,767		$ 24,918		$ 23,017		$ 29,235	$ 30,283	$ 27,638	$ 29,563	$ 93,863	$ 116,718	$ 102,862
[1]	Due to the early adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the fourth quarter of 2016, previously issued quarterly consolidated financial information has been recast to reflect the adoption. See Note 1 in these notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to this adoption.

Schedule II - Valuation and Q74

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves - Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable		$ 882	$ 1,359	$ 1,351
Allowance for Trade Receivables [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period		3,106	3,355	2,409
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable		909	1,333	1,309
Other Accounts	[1]			146
Bad Debt Write-offs		(1,288)	(1,582)	(509)
Balance at End of Period		2,727	3,106	3,355
Allowance for Notes Receivable [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Period		273	351	312
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable		(27)	26	42
Other Accounts
Bad Debt Write-offs		(6)	(104)	(3)
Balance at End of Period		$ 240	$ 273	$ 351
[1]	Addition to allowance for doubtful accounts following acquisition of Barr-Nunn.