Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$ 766	$ 855	$ 600
Income taxes	2	10	(16)
Non-cash transactions:
Redemption of Continental's 5% Convertible Notes with UAL common stock			175
Property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt	544	130	98
8% Contingent Senior Unsecured Notes and 6% Senior Notes, net of discount	357	88
Restricted cash collateral returned on derivative contracts			(45)
Special facility payment financing	101
Airport construction financing	50
Interest paid in kind on UAL 6% Senior Notes		37	35
United Air Lines Inc
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	426	495	489
Income taxes	3	2	(16)
Non-cash transactions:
Transfer of OnePass frequent flyer liability and advanced purchase of miles from Continental	2,387
8% Contingent Senior Unsecured Notes and 6% Senior Notes, net of discount	357	88
Restricted cash collateral returned on derivative contracts			(45)
Interest paid in kind on UAL 6% Senior Notes		37	35
Continental Airlines Inc | Successor
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	340	360	111
Income taxes	1
Non-cash transactions:
Transfer of OnePass frequent flyer liability and advanced purchase of miles from Continental	(2,387)
Redemption of Continental's 5% Convertible Notes with UAL common stock			175
Property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt	544	130	98
Special facility payment financing	101
Airport construction financing	50
Continental Airlines Inc | Predecessor
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)			210
Income taxes			1
Non-cash transactions:
Property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt			$ 465