Note 9 - Business Segments (Details) - Operating Revenues (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 1,435,850	$ 1,295,792	$ 4,110,295	$ 3,716,844
Operating Segments [Member] | JBI [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	890,000	794,000	2,541,000	2,250,000
Operating Segments [Member] | DCS [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	319,000	273,000	901,000	796,000
Operating Segments [Member] | ICS [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	137,000	121,000	391,000	328,000
Operating Segments [Member] | JBT [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	97,000	117,000	300,000	371,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,443,000	1,305,000	4,133,000	3,745,000
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ (7,000)	$ (9,000)	$ (23,000)	$ (28,000)