Share-Based Compensation Plans (Schedule Of Share-Based Compensation Plan Cost) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				$ 54	[1],[2]	$ 117	[1],[2]	$ 21	[1],[2]
Integration and merger related costs				17		70
Merger-related costs	493	44	28			144
United Airlines [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				28		63
Merger-related costs				7		24
Continental Successor [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				26		54
Merger-related costs				10		46
Share-Based Awards Converted To Cash Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				19	[1],[2],[3]	84	[1],[2],[3]
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				18	[1],[2]	20	[1],[2]	10	[1],[2]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				12	[1],[2]	6	[1],[2]	6	[1],[2]
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost				$ 5	[1],[2]	$ 7	[1],[2]	$ 5	[1],[2]

[1] All compensation cost is recorded to Salaries and related benefits, with the exception of $17 million and $70 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, that was recorded in integration and Merger-related costs, respectively.

[2] United recorded $28 million and $63 million of compensation cost related to UAL's share-based plans during 2011 and 2010, respectively. These amounts included $7 million and $24 million that were classified as integration and Merger-related expense during 2011 and 2010, respectively. Continental Successor recorded $26 million and $54 million of compensation cost related to UAL's share-based plans during 2011 and 2010, respectively. These amounts included $10 million and $46 million that were classified as integration and Merger-related expense during 2011 and 2010, respectively. All UAL share-based compensation expense in 2009 was recorded by United.

[3] As described below, in connection with the Merger, certain awards were converted into fixed cash equivalents.