XML 26 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.3
Document And Entity Information - shares
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Nov. 06, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000928658  
Trading Symbol cvti  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Shell Company false  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Title of 12(b) Security $0.01 Par Value Class A common stock  
Common Class B [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   2,350,000
Common Class A [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   16,111,902