Long-term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt repayments of principal in 2016	600,000
Long-term debt repayments of principal in 2018	425,000,000
Fair value of long-term debt	832,000,000	806,000,000
7.25% Senior Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Rate of interest on notes	7.25%
Frequency of periodic payment	semi-annually
Notes, redemption description	Con-way may redeem the 7.25% Senior Notes, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60-days notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) the principal amount being redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes being redeemed, discounted at the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the rate payable on a Treasury note having a comparable maturity plus 50 basis points. There are also various restrictive covenants, including limitations on (i) the incurrence of liens, and (ii) consolidations, mergers and asset sales. Including amortization of underwriting fees and related debt costs, interest expense on the 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 is recognized at an annual effective interest rate of 7.37%.
6.70% Senior Debentures Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Rate of interest on notes	6.70%
Redemption percentage	101.00%
Frequency of periodic payment	semi-annually
Notes, redemption description	Con-way may redeem the Senior Debentures, in whole or in part, on not less than 30 nor more than 60-days notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) the principal amount being redeemed, or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Senior Debentures being redeemed, discounted at the redemption date on a semi-annual basis at the rate payable on a Treasury note having a comparable maturity plus 35 basis points. The Senior Debentures were issued under an indenture that restricts Con-way's ability, with certain exceptions, to incur debt secured by liens. Including amortization of a discount, interest expense on the 6.70% Senior Debentures due 2034 is recognized at an annual effective interest rate of 6.90%.
Senior Notes	300,000,000