Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating revenue	$ 659,214	$ 638,456	$ 603,679
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits	171,314	163,242	147,646
Purchased transportation	123,436	124,269	120,332
Fuel and fuel taxes	163,270	163,596	155,595
Supplies and maintenance	40,582	39,919	40,311
Depreciation	64,476	60,904	57,531
Operating taxes and licenses	7,110	6,741	6,373
Insurance and claims	23,681	20,718	18,170
Communications and utilities	5,212	4,939	4,605
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment	(5,972)	(5,302)	(3,800)
Other	14,110	13,577	13,886
	607,219	592,603	560,649
Operating income	51,995	45,853	43,030
Other	(392)	(48)	(24)
Income before income taxes	52,387	45,901	43,054
Less: Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest	84	497	807
Income before income taxes attributable to Marten Transport, Ltd.	52,303	45,404	42,247
Provision for income taxes	22,156	18,137	17,962
Net income	$ 30,147	$ 27,267	$ 24,285
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.91	$ 0.82	$ 0.74
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.90	$ 0.82	$ 0.73
Dividends paid per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.083	$ 0.563	$ 0.053