XML 12 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.5.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Jul. 21, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name PAM TRANSPORTATION SERVICES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000798287  
Trading Symbol ptsi  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   6,452,628
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false