Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 27, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000799233
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Voluntary filer	No
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		86,474,350
Public Float			$ 832.3