Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020 shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0000728535
Entity Registrant Name	HUNT J B TRANSPORT SERVICES INC
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-11757
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	AR
Entity Tax Identification Number	71-0335111
Entity Address, Address Line One	615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Lowell
Entity Address, State or Province	AR
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	72745
City Area Code	479
Local Phone Number	820-0000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	JBHT
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	105,507,223