Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,638	$ 20,821
Receivables:
Trade, net	58,632	59,385
Other	4,876	3,430
Prepaid expenses and other	14,276	15,426
Deferred income taxes	2,600	2,738
Total current assets	106,022	101,800
Revenue equipment, buildings and land, office equipment and other	531,594	523,974
Accumulated depreciation	(147,309)	(155,774)
Net property and equipment	384,285	368,200
Other assets	588	579
TOTAL ASSETS	490,895	470,579
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	44,810	33,343
Insurance and claims accruals	14,006	13,042
Total current liabilities	58,816	46,385
Deferred income taxes	105,597	103,835
Total liabilities	164,413	150,220
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par value per share; 48,000,000 shares authorized; 22,057,795 shares at March 31, 2012, and 21,984,597 shares at December 31, 2011, issued and outstanding	221	220
Additional paid-in capital	81,138	80,078
Retained earnings	242,877	237,872
Total Marten Transport, Ltd. stockholders’ equity	324,236	318,170
Noncontrolling interest	2,246	2,189
Total stockholders’ equity	326,482	320,359
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 490,895	$ 470,579