Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) [Abstract]
Total operating revenue	$ 95,624	$ 102,834	$ 279,264	$ 296,270
Operating expenses
Salaries, wages and related expenses	29,515	31,766	86,818	90,868
Purchased transportation	17,952	18,357	50,272	51,856
Fuel	21,247	25,854	60,016	73,654
Supplies and maintenance	14,340	15,710	39,106	42,561
Revenue equipment rent	10,691	9,200	31,205	26,553
Depreciation	2,701	4,827	8,668	13,875
Communications and utilities	1,123	1,171	3,299	3,518
Claims and insurance	3,734	7,476	7,503	13,204
Operating taxes and licenses	924	985	3,076	3,089
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(2,402)	(661)	(4,939)	(1,234)
Miscellaneous	1,095	1,626	3,192	4,352
Total operating expenses	100,920	116,311	288,216	322,296
Loss from operations	(5,296)	(13,477)	(8,952)	(26,026)
Interest and other expense (income)
Interest expense	388	247	1,157	479
Equity in earnings of limited partnership	(211)	(192)	(543)	(551)
Life insurance and other	149	63	520	432
Total interest and other expense (income)	326	118	1,134	360
Loss before income taxes	(5,622)	(13,595)	(10,086)	(26,386)
Income tax expense (benefit)	41	73	155	(1,476)
Net loss	$ (5,663)	$ (13,668)	$ (10,241)	$ (24,910)
Net loss per share of common stock
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.32)	$ (0.77)	$ (0.57)	$ (1.42)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.32)	$ (0.77)	$ (0.57)	$ (1.42)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	17,917	17,663	17,839	17,557
Diluted (in shares)	17,917	17,663	17,839	17,557