v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Oct. 23, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol LSTR  
Entity Registrant Name LANDSTAR SYSTEM INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000853816  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   41,965,797