Leases (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue equipment of capital leases	$ 105.3	$ 105.6
Accumulated depreciation of capital leases	31.9	13.8
Future minimum lease payments of sublease income	6.4
Gross proceeds from sale and lease back transactions	20.4	17.3
Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Capital Leases	Con-way 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.
Logistics [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Unamortized gain of sell and lease back	$ 13.0