OPERATING SEGMENT DATA (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
OPERATING REVENUES:
OPERATING REVENUES	$ 498,550	$ 411,347	$ 933,481	$ 771,237
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:
Depreciation and amortization			35,971	36,096
Gain on sale of property and equipment			(873)	(72)
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS	489,552	422,157	946,475	817,313
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	8,998	(10,810)	(12,994)	(46,076)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest and dividend income	273	274	516	608
Interest expense and other related financing costs	(932)	(434)	(1,927)	(999)
Other, net	281	(457)	2,892	211
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	(378)	(617)	1,481	(180)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	8,620	(11,427)	(11,513)	(46,256)
ABF.
OPERATING REVENUES:
OPERATING REVENUES	458,521	379,443	860,880	712,468
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:
Salaries, wages and benefits	273,262	248,985	535,755	485,424
Fuel, supplies and expenses	88,327	64,729	167,722	125,641
Operating taxes and licenses	11,572	10,718	22,993	21,209
Insurance	6,513	5,929	12,993	10,111
Communications and utilities	3,731	3,313	7,711	7,179
Depreciation and amortization	17,376	16,908	34,620	34,706
Rents and purchased transportation	48,384	39,849	90,857	73,941
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(784)	(126)	(884)	(424)
Other	1,951	1,734	3,548	2,958
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS	450,332	392,039	875,315	760,745
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	8,189	(12,596)	(14,435)	(48,277)
Other segments and eliminations
OPERATING REVENUES:
OPERATING REVENUES	40,029	31,904	72,601	58,769
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS	39,220	30,118	71,160	56,568
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	$ 809	$ 1,786	$ 1,441	$ 2,201