Schedule of Gain Loss on Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Fuel Expense) (Effective Portion)	$ (38)	$ 278	$ (69)	$ 432
United Continental Holdings Inc
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(262)	(231)	(169)	293
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Fuel Expense) (Effective Portion)	(38)	278	(69)	432
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Nonoperating Expense) (Ineffective Portion)	(29)	(34)	(4)	(31)
United Airlines Inc
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(148)	(149)	(90)	236
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Fuel Expense) (Effective Portion)	(17)	213	(32)	338
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Nonoperating Expense) (Ineffective Portion)	(16)	(7)	(2)	(5)
Continental Airlines Inc
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	(114)	(82)	(79)	57
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Fuel Expense) (Effective Portion)	(21)	65	(37)	94
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Nonoperating Expense) (Ineffective Portion)	$ (13)	$ (27)	$ (2)	$ (26)