Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) [Abstract]
Total operating revenue	$ 95,705	$ 101,329	$ 183,640	$ 193,436
Operating expenses
Salaries, wages and related expenses	28,078	29,642	57,303	59,102
Purchased transportation	16,487	17,283	32,320	33,499
Fuel	19,752	25,333	38,769	47,800
Supplies and maintenance	12,362	14,229	24,766	26,851
Revenue equipment rent	10,302	8,749	20,514	17,353
Depreciation	2,908	4,552	5,967	9,048
Communications and utilities	1,243	1,048	2,176	2,347
Claims and insurance	1,864	2,419	3,769	5,728
Operating taxes and licenses	1,065	1,069	2,152	2,104
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(777)	(574)	(2,537)	(573)
Miscellaneous	864	1,346	2,097	2,726
Total operating expenses	94,148	105,096	187,296	205,985
Income (loss) from operations	1,557	(3,767)	(3,656)	(12,549)
Interest and other (income) expense
Interest income	0	2	0	0
Interest expense	398	136	769	233
Equity in earnings of limited partnership	(97)	(260)	(332)	(359)
Life insurance and other	129	269	371	368
Total interest and other expense (income)	430	147	808	242
Income (loss) before income taxes	1,127	(3,914)	(4,464)	(12,791)
Income tax expense (benefit)	56	(609)	114	(1,549)
Net income (loss)	$ 1,071	$ (3,305)	$ (4,578)	$ (11,242)
Net income (loss) per share of common stock
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ (0.19)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.64)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ (0.19)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.64)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	17,872	17,534	17,799	17,490
Diluted (in shares)	17,872	17,534	17,799	17,490