STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Total Comprehensive Loss
Net loss		$ (18,162,000)		$ (12,787,000)
Less: noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary				21,000
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARKANSAS BEST CORPORATION		(18,162,000)		(12,808,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Change in foreign currency translation, net of tax (2012 - $8; 2011 - $9)		13,000		16,000
Change in foreign currency translation, tax		8,000		9,000
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, net of tax (2012 - $1,089; 2011 - $697)
Net actuarial loss		1,739,000		1,124,000
Prior service credit		(29,000)		(29,000)
Other				(1,000)
Amortization of unrecognized net periodic benefit costs, tax		1,089,000		697,000
Total other comprehensive income		1,723,000		1,110,000
Total comprehensive loss		(16,439,000)		(11,698,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax amounts:
Foreign currency translation		(670,000)			(691,000)
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs		(85,594,000)			(88,393,000)
Total pre-tax amount		(86,264,000)			(89,084,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, after-tax amounts:
Foreign currency translation		(410,000)			(423,000)
Unrecognized net periodic benefit costs		(56,269,000)			(57,979,000)
Total after-tax amount		(56,679,000)			(58,402,000)
Dividends on Common Stock
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ 0.03	$ 0.03	$ 0.03
Dividend Amount	$ 808,000	$ 797,000	$ 797,000	$ 788,000