Pension And Other Postretirement Plans (Schedule Of Defined Contribution) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Employer contributions	$ 325	[1]	$ 254	[1]	$ 244	[1]
Profit sharing and payroll tax expense	265		166
IAM National Pension Plan [Member]
Employer contributions	34
IAM National Pension Plan [Member] | UAL And United [Member]
Employer contributions			$ 34		$ 34

[1] UAL and United amounts include International Association of Machinists ("IAM") multi-employer plan contributions of $34 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.