Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases	Con-way has acquired tractors for Con-way Freight and Con-way Truckload under various capital-lease agreements with lease terms ranging from three to five years and extending into 2015. Under the agreements, Con-way guarantees the residual value of the tractors at the end of the lease term. The stated amounts of the residual-value guarantees have been included in the minimum lease payments below.
Gross proceeds from sale and lease back transactions		$ 20.4
Revenue equipment of capital leases	77.9		105.3
Accumulated depreciation of capital leases	33.3		31.9
Future minimum lease payments of sublease income	7.1
Unamortized gain of sell and lease back	$ 11.7