Significant Accounting Policies Self-Insurance Accruals (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Health insurance reserves	$ 3.5	$ 3.4

Self insurance health insurance reserves for estimated cost of health related claims, including estimated expenses incurred but not reported

No definition available.

Name:	htld_HealthInsuranceReserves
Namespace Prefix:	htld_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant