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Acquisitions and Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Mar. 09, 2015 | Feb. 02, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Sep. 05, 2014 | Nov. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt, Gross | $ 125,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt, Term | 2 year |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue | 240,145 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue | 231,365 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaRevenue |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income from Operations | 20,138 fwrd_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItems | 17,833 fwrd_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaIncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeChangesInAccountingAndExtraordinaryItems |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) | 12,069 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss | 10,918 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsProFormaNetIncomeLoss |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic | $ 0.39 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic | $ 0.36 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareBasic |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted | $ 0.39 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted | $ 0.35 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionProFormaEarningsPerShareDiluted |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount | 99,248 us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillExpectedTaxDeductibleAmount |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying value of goodwill | 202,909 us-gaap_Goodwill |  | 144,412 us-gaap_Goodwill |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 58,497 us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Towne [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid |  |  |  | 62,323 fwrd_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaid / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed | 59,544 us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Escrow Deposit |  |  |  | 16,500 us-gaap_EscrowDeposit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Number of service points | 61 fwrd_Numberofservicepoints / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of independent contractor tractors | 525 fwrd_Numberofindependentcontractortractors / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Towne revenue |  |  | 230,000 us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |  |
Supplemental Unemployment Benefits, Severance Benefits | 2,109 us-gaap_SupplementalUnemploymentBenefitsSeveranceBenefits / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs | 5,101 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying value of goodwill |  |  |  | 58,497 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount |  |  |  | 23,703 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesGrossContractualAmount / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets |  |  |  | 2,744 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment |  |  |  | 1,410 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets |  |  |  | 614 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Assets |  |  |  | 2,159 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets |  |  |  | 30,630 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandTotalLiabilitiesAssumedTotalTangibleAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles |  |  |  | 128,497 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets |  |  |  | 159,127 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities |  |  |  | 24,984 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other |  |  |  | 3,822 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesOther / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt |  |  |  | 59,544 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities |  |  |  | 8,454 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities |  |  |  | 96,804 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets |  |  |  | 62,323 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandTotalLiabilitiesAssumedNetTotalAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
CST [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid |  |  |  |  | 82,997 fwrd_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaid / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed |  | 11,215 us-gaap_NoncashOrPartNoncashAcquisitionDebtAssumed1 / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Escrow Deposit |  |  |  |  | 10,000 us-gaap_EscrowDeposit / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs |  | 900 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionRelatedCosts / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Revenue Since Acquisition Date |  | 10,803 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating Income Since Acquisition Date |  | 4 fwrd_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationOperatingIncomeOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income Since Acquisition Date |  | (5)us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationEarningsOrLossOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination Information, Earnings Per Share of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Basic |  | $ 0.00 fwrd_BusinessCombinationInformationEarningsPerShareofAcquireesinceAcquisitionDateBasic / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination Information, Earnings Per Share of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Diluted |  | $ 0.00 fwrd_BusinessCombinationInformationEarningsPerShareofAcquireesinceAcquisitionDateDiluted / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying value of goodwill |  |  |  |  | 51,710 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount |  |  |  |  | 9,339 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquiredReceivablesGrossContractualAmount / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets |  |  |  |  | 101 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsPrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment |  |  |  |  | 2,132 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets |  |  |  |  | 35 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets |  |  |  |  | 11,607 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandTotalLiabilitiesAssumedTotalTangibleAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles |  |  |  |  | 89,140 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets |  |  |  |  | 100,747 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities |  |  |  |  | 6,535 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt |  |  |  |  | 11,215 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities |  |  |  |  | 17,750 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets |  |  |  |  | 82,997 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandTotalLiabilitiesAssumedNetTotalAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
RGL [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid |  |  |  |  |  | 1,350 fwrd_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaid / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |  |
Carrying value of goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,206 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  | 287 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedPropertyPlantAndEquipment / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Total Tangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 287 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandTotalLiabilitiesAssumedTotalTangibleAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,888 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,175 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedLiabilities / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Total Liabilities Assumed, Net Total Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7,175 fwrd_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandTotalLiabilitiesAssumedNetTotalAssets / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
MMT [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Acquisition, Cash Paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,825 fwrd_BusinessAcquisitionCashPaid / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_MMTMember
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_MMTMember
Forward Air [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying value of goodwill | 152,339 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_ForwardAirMember |  | 93,842 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_ForwardAirMember |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill, Acquired During Period | 58,497 us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_ForwardAirMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
FASI [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss | (6,953)us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_FasiMember |  | (6,953)us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_FasiMember |  |  |  |  |
Carrying value of goodwill | 12,359 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_FasiMember |  | 12,359 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_FasiMember |  |  |  |  |
TQI [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying value of goodwill | 45,164 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TQIMember |  | 45,164 us-gaap_Goodwill / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TQIMember |  |  |  |  |
Trade Names [Member] | CST [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life | 2 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill |  |  |  |  | 500 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill / us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis = us-gaap_TradeNamesMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | CST [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill |  |  |  |  | 930 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill / us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis = us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | RGL [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life | 5 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  | 92 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill / us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis = us-gaap_NoncompeteAgreementsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Customer Relationships [Member] | Towne [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life | 20 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill |  |  |  | 70,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill / us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis = us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Customer Relationships [Member] | CST [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill |  |  |  |  | 36,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill / us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis = us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_CSTMember |  |  |
Customer Relationships [Member] | RGL [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life | 15 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,590 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibleAssetsOtherThanGoodwill / us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis = us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_RGLMember |
Towne possible net working capital shortfall [Member] | Towne [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Escrow Deposit |  |  |  | 2,000 us-gaap_EscrowDeposit / us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis = fwrd_TownepossiblenetworkingcapitalshortfallMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Towne potential claims [Member] | Towne [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Escrow Deposit |  |  |  | 14,500 us-gaap_EscrowDeposit / us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis = fwrd_TownepotentialclaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis = fwrd_TowneMember |  |  |  |
Facility Closing [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restructuring Reserve | $ 4,664 us-gaap_RestructuringReserve / us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis = us-gaap_FacilityClosingMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Business Acquisition, Cash Paid + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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X
- Definition The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | fwrd_
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X
- Definition Business Combination Information, Earnings Per Share of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Basic + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | fwrd_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
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X
- Definition Business Combination Information, Earnings Per Share of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Diluted + References No definition available. + Details
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Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
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X
- Definition Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Operating Income of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | fwrd_
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X
- Definition Gross amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to deferred tax assets. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | fwrd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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X
- Definition Gross amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to deferred tax liabilities. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | fwrd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to net assets. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | fwrd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
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X
- Definition Amount of total tangible assets acquired at the acquisition date. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition The number of independent contractor tractors for an entity. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible assets acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16265-109275 + Details
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- Definition The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
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- Definition The pro forma diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
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- Definition The amount of goodwill arising from a business combination that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
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- Definition The pro forma net Income or Loss for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
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- Definition The pro forma revenue for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
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- Definition For receivables acquired in a business combination, excluding certain loans and debt securities acquired in a transfer (as defined), this element represents the gross contractual amounts receivable, by major class of receivable, such as loans, direct finance leases (as defined), and any other class of receivables. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition This element represents acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs include finder's fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and may include costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 23 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34752592&loc=d3e1043-128460 + Details
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- Definition For contingent consideration arrangements recognized in connection with a business combination, this element represents an estimate of the high-end of the potential range (undiscounted) of the consideration which may be paid. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the amount of earnings or loss of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the amount of revenue of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
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- Definition Amount of assets acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits in future periods, and amount of other assets that are expected to be realized or consumed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition Amount of liabilities due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition Amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition The amount of identifiable intangible assets recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744172&loc=d3e2207-128464 + Details
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- Definition Amount of liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition Amount of long-term debt due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition Amount of other liabilities due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition Amount of other assets expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
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- Definition The amount of property, plant, and equipment recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744172&loc=d3e2207-128464 + Details
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- Definition Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 + Details
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- Definition The designation of funds furnished by a borrower to a lender to assure future payments of the borrower's real estate taxes and insurance obligations with respect to a mortgaged property. Escrow deposits may be made for a variety of other purposes such as earnest money and contingent payments. This element excludes replacement reserves which are an escrow separately provided for within the US GAAP taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.10) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
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- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266 + Details
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- Definition Amount of increase in asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized resulting from a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
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- Definition Amount of accumulated impairment loss for an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a,h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
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- Definition Description of long-term debt arrangements, which are debt arrangements that originally require full repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the company, if longer, and disclosures pertaining to the underlying arrangements, including repayment terms, conversion features, interest rates, restrictions on assets and activities, debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements. Types of long-term debt arrangements include borrowing under notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, term loans, and other contractual obligations for payment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 + Details
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- Definition The amount of debt that an Entity assumes in acquiring a business or in consideration for an asset received in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4313-108586 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
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