Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Cover Page

v3.20.4
Cover Page - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Feb. 19, 2021
Jun. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2020    
Entity File Number 000-22490    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity Registrant Name FORWARD AIR CORP    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code TN    
Entity Tax Identification Number 62-1120025    
Entity Address, Address Line One 1915 Snapps Ferry Road    
Entity Address, Address Line Two Building N    
Entity Address, City or Town Greeneville    
Entity Address, State or Province TN    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 37745    
City Area Code 423    
Local Phone Number 636-7000    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.01 par value    
Trading Symbol FWRD    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,007,054,447
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   27,529,073  
Entity Central Index Key 0000912728    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2020    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Document Annual Report true