Forward Air Corporation Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 12, 2020 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Operating revenue		$ 381,504	$ 361,663	$ 345,756	$ 321,471	$ 356,561	$ 331,375	$ 330,343	$ 302,608	$ 1,410,395	$ 1,320,886	$ 1,169,346
Operating Income (Loss)		$ 32,852	$ 30,689	$ 30,550	$ 24,734	$ 35,047	$ 29,879	$ 32,870	$ 24,235	$ 118,823	$ 122,031	$ 108,757
Linn Star [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid	$ 57,200
Number of locations	20
Operating revenue	$ 90,000
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 6,300