Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Capital Surplus [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Stock, At Cost [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Issuance of equity upon conversion of Series B Notes Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities, Net of Adjustments Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Reclassification of net pension actuarial losses to net loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Ending balance Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Cash Flow Activity Related To Restructuring [Table Text Block] Cash Flow Activity Related To Restructuring [Table Text Block] Cash Flow Activity Related To Restructuring [Table Text Block] Non cash activity related to restructuring [Table Text Block] Non cash activity related to restructuring [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Non cash activity related to restructuring [Table] 2014 Financing Transactions [Table] 2014 Financing Transactions [Table] 2014 Financing Transactions [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] 2014 Financing [Member] 2014 Financing [Member] 2014 Financing [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 2014 Term Loan [Member] 2014 Term Loan [Member] 2014 Term Loan Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] 2014 ABL Facility Credit Agreement [Member] 2014 ABL Facility Credit Agreement [Member] 2014 ABL Facility Credit Agreement [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] ABL Facility [Member] ABL Facility [Member] ABL Facility [Member] Secured CDA [Domain] Secured Second A&R CDA [Member] Secured Second A&R CDA [Member] AR CDA [Member] AR CDA [Member] A&R CDA [Member] Unsecured Second A&R CD [Member] Unsecured Second A&R CD [Member] Unsecured Second A&R CD [Member] Series A Note [Member] Series A Note [Member] Series A Note [Member] 10% Convertible Senior Notes 10 Percent Convertible Senior Notes [Member] 10 Percent Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Senior B Notes [Domain] Senior B Notes [Member] Senior B Notes Unsecured CDA [Domain] Series B Note [Member] Series B Note [Member] Restructured Term Loan [Member] Restructured Term Loan [Member] Restructured Term Loan [Member] 6% Notes [Member] 6% Notes [Member] 6% Notes [Member] 6% Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Six Percent Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Six Percent Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] 2014 Financing Transactions [Line Items] 2014 Financing Transactions [Line Items] [Line Items] for 2014 Financing Transactions [Table] Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of equity, net Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Stated Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Future Repayments of Series A Notes Future Repayments of Series A Notes Future Repayments of Series A Notes Debt conversion price, future period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price, Future Period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price, Future Period Face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Non Cash Sources of Funds Non Cash Sources of Funds Non Cash Sources of Funds Non Cash Uses of Funds Non Cash Uses of Funds Non Cash Uses of Funds Repayments of debt, including accrued interest Repayments of debt, including accrued interest Repayments of debt, including accrued interest Issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Payments for Fees, Expenses and Original Issue Discount Payments for Fees, Expenses and Original Issue Discount Payments for Fees, Expenses and Original Issue Discount Cash, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash, Period Increase (Decrease) Sources of Funds Sources of Funds Sources of Funds Uses of Funds Uses of Funds Uses of Funds Long-term Debt Long-term Debt (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Acceleration of net premiums on old debt Extinguishment of Debt, Acceleration of Net Premiums on Old Debt Extinguishment of Debt, Acceleration of Net Premiums on Old Debt Expense related to fair value of incremental shares converted Expense Related to Fair Value of Incremental Shares Converted Expense Related to Fair Value of Incremental Shares Converted Make whole interest Make Whole Interest Expense Make Whole Interest Expense Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Capitalized Financing Costs Capitalized Financing Costs Equity issuance costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Previous maximum ownership percentage Previous maximum ownership percentage Previous maximum ownership percentage Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature on Preferred Stock Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature on Preferred Stock Amortization of Beneficial Conversion Feature on Preferred Stock Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Anti-dilutive options and shares [Member] Antidillutive options and shares [Member] Antidillutive options and shares [Member] Anti-dilutive Series A Convertible Note Conversion Shares [Member] Antidillutive Series A Convertible Note Conversion Shares [Member] Antidillutive Series A Convertible Note Conversion Shares [Member] Anti-dilutive Series B Convertible Note Conversion Shares [Member] Antidillutive Series B Convertible Note Conversion Shares [Member] Antidillutive Series B Convertible Note Conversion Shares [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Segment Reporting [Abstract] Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock Compensation Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Shareholders' Deficit Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Effective Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Principles of Consolidation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Percentage of workforce subject to collective bargaining agreements Concentration Risk, Percentage Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net pension loss Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Total periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected future benefit payments, remainder of the year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Contributions by employer Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncash items included in net loss: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Paid-in-kind interest on Series A Notes and Series B Notes Paid-in-Kind Interest Amortization of deferred debt costs Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of premiums and discounts on debt Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Equity based compensation expense Losses on property disposals, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt Other noncash items, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities, net: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Other operating assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other operating liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Restricted escrow receipts Decrease in Restricted Cash Restricted escrow deposits Increase in Restricted Cash Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments of long-term debt Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Equity issuance costs Equity issuance proceeds Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Decrease In Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income tax refund, net Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Liquidity [Abstract] Liquidity [Abstract] Risks and Uncertainties [Table] Risks and Uncertainties [Table] Risks and Uncertainties [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Revenue Equipment [Member] Revenue Equipment [Member] Revenue Equipment Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Risks and Uncertainties [Line Items] Risks and Uncertainties [Line Items] Risks and Uncertainties [Line Items] Amount Able to be Drawn Amount Able to be Drawn Amount Able to be Drawn Cash and cash equivalents Total availability Line Of Credit Facility, Total Cash and Availability Line Of Credit Facility, Total Cash and Availability Net cash used in operating activities Minimum availability of the lesser of the aggregate amount of commitments from lenders or the borrowing base Debt Instrument, Minimum Availability as Percent of Lesser of Aggregate Amount of Commitments or Borrowing Base Debt Instrument, Minimum Availability as Percent of Lesser of Aggregate Amount of Commitments or Borrowing Base Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Defined benefit plans, estimated benefit obligation for remaining fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Benefit Obligation For Remaining Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Benefit Obligation For Remaining Fiscal Year Multi-employer plans, estimated benefit obligation for remaining fiscal year Multiemployer Plans, Estimated Benefit Obligation For Remaining Fiscal Year Multiemployer Plans, Estimated Benefit Obligation For Remaining Fiscal Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Operating lease commitment Operating Lease Commitment Operating Lease Commitment Operating lease term Operating Lease Term Operating Lease Term Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] YRC Freight [Member] YRC Freight [Member] YRC Freight [Member] Regional Transportation [Member] Regional Transportation [Member] Regional Transportation [Member] Corporate / Eliminations [Member] Corporate / Eliminations [Member] Corporate / Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Identifiable assets Assets External revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Employee Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Debt Covenants [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Covenants [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Covenants [Table Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Restricted amounts held in escrow Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less – accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Restricted amounts held in escrow Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Wages, vacations and employee benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Other current and accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Pension and postretirement Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Claims and other liabilities Claims and Insurance Accruals Noncurrent Claims and insurance accruals noncurrent. Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ Deficit: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, $1 par value per share Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value per share Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost (410 shares) Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders’ deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit Liabilities and Equity Description of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments, Contingencies and Uncertainties Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Liquidity Liquidity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Liquidity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 2014 Financing Transactions Financial Restructuring [Text Block] Financial Restructuring [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock And Share Unit [Member] Restricted Stock And Share Unit [Member] Restricted Stock And Share Unit [Member] Performance Based Stock And Share Unit Performance Shares [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Stock compensation performance period Stock Compensation Performance Period Stock Compensation Performance Period Performance stock compensation units earned range Performance Stock Compensation Units Earned Range Performance Stock Compensation Units Earned Range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Unvested performance stock unit awards, at December 31, 2014 (Target Number of Units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Unvested performance stock unit awards, at December 31, 2014 (Weighted Average Fair Value) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 2015 Performance Awards granted (Target Number of Units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period 2015 Performance Awards granted (Weighted Average Fair Value) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 2015 Performance Awards forfeited (Target Number of Units) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period 2015 Performance Awards forfeited (Weighted Average Fair Value) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested performance stock unit awards, at March 31, 2015 (Target Number of Units) Unvested performance stock unit awards, at March 31, 2015 (Weighted Average Fair Value) Maximum Potential Shares Earned Maximum Potential Shares Earned Maximum Potential Shares Earned compensation cost share based awards Compensation Cost Share Based Awards compensation cost share based awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Agreement Amendment, September 2014 Credit Agreement Amendment, September 2014 [Member] Credit Agreement Amendment, September 2014 [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Covenants [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Covenants [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Covenants [Abstract] Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, September 30, 2014 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Current Quarter Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Current Quarter Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, December 31, 2014 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Three Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Three Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, March 31, 2015 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Four Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Four Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, June 30, 2015 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Five Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Five Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, September 30, 2015 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Six Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Six Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, December 31, 2015 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Seven Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Seven Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, March 31, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Eight Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Eight Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, June 30, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Nine Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Nine Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, September 30, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Ten Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Ten Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, December 31, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Eleven Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Eleven Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, March 31, 2017 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Twelve Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Twelve Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, June 30, 2017 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Thirteen Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Thirteen Total leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Total Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Total Leverage Ratio Schedule of Anti-dilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Line Items] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Line Items] [Line Items] for Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Debt and Financing Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Non-current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Non-current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Non-current, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Operating Revenue Operating Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Salaries, wages and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense Operating expenses and supplies Cost of Services, Direct Materials Purchased transportation Purchased Transportation Costs incurred related to the purchase of services (road and rail) from third-party transportation providers and independent contractors in direct support of shipping and logistics services. Depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Depreciation and Amortization Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Losses on property disposals, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Nonoperating Expenses: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Amortization of beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Loss Attributable to YRC Worldwide Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Loss Per Share – Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] 2014 Term Loan [Domain] [Domain] 2014 Term Loan [Domain] [Domain] 2014 Term Loan [Domain] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Pension Contribution Deferral Obligation [Member] Pension Contribution Deferral Obligation [Member] Pension Contribution Deferral Obligation [Member] Secured Second A&R CDA [Member] Lease Financing Obligations [Member] Lease financing obligations [Member] Lease financing obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] ABL facility - Term A [Member] ABL Facility Term A [Member] ABL facility - Term A [Member] ABL facility - Term B [Member] ABL facility - Term B [Member] ABL facility - Term B [Member] Senior A Notes [Member] Senior A Notes [Domain] Senior A Notes [Domain] Senior B Notes A&R CDA [Member] Amended and Restated Contribution Deferral Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Contribution Deferral Agreement [Member] Series B Note [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Premium/(Discount), Debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Book Value Debt Instrument, Gross, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Gross, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Gross, Current Maturities Premium/(Discount), Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Current Maturities Book Value, Current Maturities Par Value, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Noncurrent Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Noncurrent Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Noncurrent Maturities Book Value, Excluding Current Maturities Average Effective Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Number of shares converted per thousand, future period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Shares Converted per Thousand, Future Period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Shares Converted per Thousand, Future Period Series B Notes Outstanding Principal and Interest Series B Notes Outstanding Principal and Interest Series B Notes Outstanding Principal and Interest Series B Notes Conversion Price Per Share Series B Notes Conversion Price Per Share Series B Notes Conversion Price Per Share Common Stock Shares Converted for Series B Notes Common Stock Shares Converted for Series B Notes Common Stock Shares Converted for Series B Notes Expense Related to Fair Value of Incremental Shares Converted Cash Repayment to Series B Notes holders Cash Repayment to Series B Notes holders Cash Repayment to Series B Notes holders Conversion of stock, shares converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Make Whole Premium Make Whole Premium Make Whole Premium Number of equity instruments convertible, subsequent month Debt Conversion, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments, Subsequent Month Debt Conversion, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments, Subsequent Month Conversion ratio (future period) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio, Future Period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio, Future Period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Stated Interest Rate, Minimum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Stated Interest Rate, Maximum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Borrowing Base Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Total Cash and Availability line of credit facility, Total Availability line of credit facility, Total Availability Line of Credit Facility, Total Availability Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Line Of Credit Facility, Total Able to Be Drawn Line Of Credit Facility, Total Able to Be Drawn Line Of Credit Facility, Total Able to Be Drawn Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Beginning balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Issuance of equity awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of common stock upon conversion or exchange of Series B Notes Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Ending balance