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

Stock Incentive Plan - Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 9,902	$ 9,124	$ 9,800
Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares	11,376	10,913	11,033
Continuing Operations \| Director Restricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense for restricted shares	1,387	1,436	1,026
Excess tax benefit for the vesting of restricted shares	12	342	253
Continuing Operations \| Salaries, Wages And Employee Benefits
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	9,902	9,108	9,715
Discontinued Operations \| Salaries, Wages And Employee Benefits
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total share-based compensation expense	$ 0	$ 16	$ 85